Tension stimulation drives tissue formation in scaffold-free systems

Abstract

Scaffold-free systems have emerged as viable approaches for engineering load-bearing tissues. However, the tensile properties of engineered tissues have remained far below the values for native tissue. Here, by using self-assembled articular cartilage as a model to examine the effects of intermittent and continuous tension stimulation on tissue formation, we show that the application of tension alone, or in combination with matrix remodelling and synthesis agents, leads to neocartilage with tensile properties approaching those of native tissue. Implantation of tension-stimulated tissues results in neotissues that are morphologically reminiscent of native cartilage. We also show that tension stimulation can be translated to a human cell source to generate anisotropic human neocartilage with enhanced tensile properties. Tension stimulation, which results in nearly 6-fold improvements in tensile properties over unstimulated controls, may allow the engineering of mechanically robust biological replacements of native tissue.

Toward tissue-engineering of nasal cartilages

“…Additionally, it would be instructive incorporate use of bioactive agents and biomechanical stimuli known to enhance functional properties and matrix organization because nasal cartilages are structures with mechanical roles. Chemical and bioactive stimuli, such as chondroitinase-ABC and lysyl oxidase-like 2, or biomechanical stimuli, such as direct compression, continuous tension (CoTense) [131], and fluid flow induced shear should be investigated. The self-assembling process and stimuli may also be used to engineer large, offthe-shelf grafts and implants to replace the need for synthetic implants, potentially reducing the complexity of or eliminate difficult surgical maneuvers, leading to more consistent and better outcomes [132].…”

Bioreactor for mobilization of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells into scaffolds under mechanical stimulation: Preliminary results

“…Thus, mechanical loading plays a pivotal role for the nutrients delivery, waste disposal, repair and AC healthiness [7]. Bioreactors are biotechnological devices used in cartilage engineering to evaluate diverse mechanical stimulation strategies as compression, tension, hydrostatic pressure and shear stress, acting on natural cartilage tissue or cartilage-like constructs [8][9][10][11]. Of these mechanical stimuli, direct compression has been widely examined, since it simulates the stress exerted on AC by the opposite joint component [12].…”

Nuclear Magnetic Coupled Fast Radio Burst Induced Upregulation of Hsp70 in Regeneration of Human Chondrocytes - A Sham Control Study

“…Articular cartilage (AC) is a conformation of hyaline cartilage (HC) which is primarily controlled by the extracellular matrix (ECM) rich in collagen II and proteoglycans (PG) like aggrecan. It has been described previously in the literature that the AC tissue has a low level of regenerative capacity with a bare 5% chance of repair, due to mechanical stress bearing structures being found in layers of HC [1][2][3]. The HC formed in five different layers with different amounts of collagen, proteoglycans and cellular content was found to be abundantly present in the deep layer of native AC [4][5][6].…”

“…Nuclear magnetic coupled fast radio burst set-up: The 2D and 3D chondrocyte cells were exposed to nuclear magnetic coupled fast radio burst (NMcFRB) with laser guided focus around 360° exposure of the target. The exposure protocol was as follows (1) the NMcFRB machine was installed inside a sterile incubator (N-BIOTECH), by a qualified engineer from CARD and connected to the external power source carefully. (2) The machine was switched on and by using a Gauss meter the magnetic field was measured to check if the machine is functional (the NMcFRB machine was precalibrated with a radio spectrum analyzer).…”