Numerical assessment on the metabolic response of chondrocytes after cyclic loading: The influence of stress rate and magnitude

Abstract

Avascular tissues such as articular cartilage and intervertebral disc have limited capacity to regenerate themselves due to their avascular nature. Some patients may benefit from surgical procedures such as spinal fusion or knee arthroplasties. However, these treatments don’t restore joint flexibility and metal is a poor substitute for healthy biological tissues. These downfalls increase the demand on novel strategies for artificial cartilage and intervertebral disc. One of the major functions of avascular tissue is to withstand mechanical loads that are generated in the body during daily activities and transfer them to bones through joints. In vitro tests based on the hypothesis of mechanosensitivity demonstrated that the metabolic activities in cell seeded constructs can be regulated via physiologic loading. However, primary mechanical influences that regulate these cellular processes are still unclear. This study aims at identifying the mechanical parameters that contribute to cellular metabolism of chondrocyte seeded constructs during physiological loading. Determined factors could then be used to optimize matrix protein synthesis, proliferation and nitric oxide release for tissue engineering applications.