New “Tribo-bioreactor” for In-situ Monitoring of the Mechanical Stress Transmission at the Cellular Level: Application to Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The mechanotransduction is an important aspect to provide suitable conditions for the cartilage engineering process. Therefore, a new bioreactor is developed to apply different mechanical stresses to cell/organ culture. It allows performing cell culture in situ with appropriate mechanical constraints according to the real-time evolution of the physical parameters with the possibility of microscopic observation. In addition to the two-dimensional mechanical stimulation of a scaffold, the originality of this device is in situ monitoring of the cells and rheological measurements. This study presents the design of the new prototype with the validation of its different functions. First, the mechanical characterization of different nonbiological samples is performed to calibrate the rheological measurement. Then, the monitoring of fluorescent beads in different scaffolds is carried out to estimate the mechanical stress transmitted to the cells. Finally, the ability of the device to handle a cell culture of human chondrocytes seeded in a scaffold is evaluated. The combined functions of the new bioreactor open the possibility to develop new scaffolds with optimal mechanical stress transmission, which is the basis of tissue engineering of cartilage.

3D Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds to Assess Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Mechanobiological Behaviour

“…The loading device used in the current study is a custom-made bioreactor allowing for the application of a cyclic compressive load that can be fitted within a cell culture incubator [ 41 ]. This bioreactor allows to test several samples immerged in the same culture medium.…”

Mechanical loading and orthobiologic therapies in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA): a comprehensive review

“…Evidence supports the significance of tribological loading in cartilage and chondrogenic cell physiology, highlighting the necessity for mimicking complex mechanical stimuli in vitro to better understand physiological responses that could result in improved translational outcomes ( Oshida, 2007 ; Ladner and Stoddart, 2024 ). Multiaxial load bioreactors have emerged as valuable tools, offering advantages over simplistic loading devices by providing more physiologically relevant mechanical stimulation ( Hannoun et al, 2021 ). These bioreactors enable the investigation of tribological loading effects on cartilage and chondrogenic cells and the maintenance of tissue lubrication and potential for expression of regenerative molecules ( Ladner and Stoddart, 2024 ).…”

“…These bioreactors enable the investigation of tribological loading effects on cartilage and chondrogenic cells and the maintenance of tissue lubrication and potential for expression of regenerative molecules ( Ladner and Stoddart, 2024 ). Additionally, the development of innovative “tribo-bioreactors” facilitates in-situ monitoring of mechanical stress transmission at the cellular level, providing real-time evaluation of physical parameters during cell culture ( Hannoun et al, 2021 ). Such advancements hold promise for optimizing loading protocols essential for cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative rehabilitation strategies, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes in PTOA management ( Ladner and Stoddart, 2024 ).…”