Development of mechanical strain cell culture system for mechanobiological analysis

Abstract

Cytoskeleton is thought to undergo remodeling in response to mechanical stimuli such as compression (hydrostatic pressure or direct platen contact), tensile strain, and fluid shear stress. Despite the wealth of information as to effect of these mechanical stimuli on the structure and function of their cells, there is a paucity of information as to whether mechanical stimuli may facilitate cell differentiation regarding the quality and quantity of the strain and the timing applied. The present study was designed to investigate whether the deformation of scaffold affects the differentiation of chondrogenic cells. We developed a culture system that induces the mechanical stimuli to the inoculated cells with quantitative gradient strain. The culture systems previously developed were reviewed and compared to the present system in designing the mode to load the deformation.