Current Methodologies for Inducing Aligned Myofibers in Tissue Constructs for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Volumetric muscle loss (VML) significantly impairs muscle regeneration and function.
• Current therapies like autologous muscle transfer and physical therapy are insufficient for restoring full muscle function.
• Skeletal muscle tissue constructs offer a potential alternative for treating VML.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for inducing myofiber alignment in skeletal muscle tissue constructs.
• To evaluate the advantages and limitations of different alignment techniques.
• To discuss the potential of muscle constructs as therapies for VML.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on skeletal muscle tissue construct fabrication.
• Analysis of methods to induce myofiber alignment (e.g., tension, scaffolds, casting, 3D printing).
• Evaluation of construct ability to impart mechanical and architectural cues.

Main Results:

• Various methods can induce myofiber alignment, but efficacy in tissue formation and force production varies.
• Hydrogels, scaffolds, casting, and 3D printing show potential for inducing alignment.
• The degree of alignment, tissue formation, and force generation differ across techniques.

Conclusions:

• Muscle constructs require improved methods for myofiber alignment to generate sufficient contractile force.
• Future constructs should incorporate multiple cell types (e.g., neuronal, endothelial) for higher-level organization.
• Clinical translation necessitates further research, including in vivo studies and collaboration between surgeons and engineers.