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Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine2020; 14(5); 690-700; doi: 10.1002/term.3030

Cyclical strain improves artificial equine tendon constructs in vitro.

Abstract: Tendon injuries are a common cause of morbidity in humans. They also occur frequently in horses, and the horse provides a relevant, large animal model in which to test novel therapies. To develop novel cell therapies that can aid tendon regeneration and reduce subsequent reinjury rates, the mechanisms that control tendon tissue regeneration and matrix remodelling need to be better understood. Although a range of chemical cues have been explored (growth factors, media etc.), the influence of the mechanical environment on tendon cell culture has yet to be fully elucidated. To mimic the in vivo environment, in this study, we have utilised a novel and affordable, custom-made bioreactor to apply a cyclical strain to tendon-like constructs generated in three-dimensional (3D) culture by equine tenocytes. Dynamic shear analysis (DSA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the mechanical and chemical properties of the resulting tendon-like constructs. Our results demonstrate that equine tenocytes exposed to a 10% cyclical strain have an increased amount of collagen gel contraction after 7 and 8 days of culture compared with cells cultured in 3D in the absence of external strain. While all the tendon-like constructs have a very similar chemical composition to native tendon, the application of strain improves their mechanical properties. We envisage that these results will contribute towards the development of improved biomimetic artificial tendon models for the development of novel strategies for equine regenerative therapies.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2020-03-23 PubMed ID: 32181983DOI: 10.1002/term.3030Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research discusses the impact of applying a cyclical strain to tendon-like constructs in improving their properties. Created through a three-dimensional culture by equine tenocytes, the study used a custom-made bioreactor to simulate real-life environmental conditions, concluding that the strain improves mechanical properties and aids in the development of enhanced artificial tendon models.

Research Overview

  • The purpose of this research was to understand tendon tissue regeneration and matrix remodeling to develop cell therapies for tendon regeneration and injury prevention. A significant knowledge gap remained in the influence of mechanical environments on tendon cell culture, which this study aimed to address.
  • As tendon injuries are prevalent in both humans and horses, the horse offers an appropriate large animal model for testing therapies. The researchers cultivated tendon-like constructs using equine tenocytes in 3-D culture.

Methodology

  • To replicate the strain and stresses experienced in vivo, the researchers created a novel, affordable bioreactor. This bioreactor applied a cyclical strain to the tendon-like constructs generated in 3D culture.
  • The researchers employed Dynamic Shear Analysis (DSA), Dynamic Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine resulting tendon-like constructs’ mechanical and chemical properties.

Findings

  • Applying a 10% cyclical strain to equine tenocytes increased collagen gel contraction after seven and eight days of culture compared to those cultured without strain.
  • The tendon-like constructs had a chemical composition very similar to native tendon, but applying external strain enhanced their mechanical properties.

Implications

  • The study’s outcomes will be beneficial in creating better biomimetic artificial tendon models, significantly impacting the development of novel strategies for equine regenerative therapies.
  • This in vitro model, coupled with the understanding of the mechanical influence on tendon tissue, will aid in cell therapies that not only assists in tendon regeneration but also minimizes reinjury chances.

Cite This Article

APA
Atkinson F, Evans R, Guest JE, Bavin EP, Cacador D, Holland C, Guest DJ. (2020). Cyclical strain improves artificial equine tendon constructs in vitro. J Tissue Eng Regen Med, 14(5), 690-700. https://doi.org/10.1002/term.3030

Publication

Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
ISSN: 1932-7005
NlmUniqueID: 101308490
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 5
Pages: 690-700

Researcher Affiliations

Atkinson, Francesca
  • Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, UK.
  • Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Evans, Richard
  • Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, UK.
Guest, James E
  • Vitec Videocom Ltd, Suffolk, UK.
Bavin, Emma P
  • Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, UK.
Cacador, Diogo
  • Vitec Videocom Ltd, Suffolk, UK.
Holland, Christopher
  • Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Guest, Deborah J
  • Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Bioreactors
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Horses
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tendon Injuries / metabolism
  • Tendon Injuries / therapy
  • Tendons / metabolism
  • Tenocytes / metabolism
  • Tissue Engineering

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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