Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by Mechanical Strain in a Three Dimensional Collagen Scaffold

Introduction Most body tissues are subjected to physical forces. The effects of biophysical force on bone remodeling have become increasingly evident in recent years. It is well known that extended periods of immobilization lead to bone loss. Mechanical loading is one of the few positive stimuli for bone formation, and the use of suitable exercise regimes has been proposed as being potentially of significant benefit in accelerating bone mass recovery after bed rest. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that physical forces like load, fluid flow and electromagnetic fields can regulate the function of mesenchymal progenitor cells. For bone tissue engineering, mechanical force types like linear straining or pressure load correlate most closely to the physiologic conditions and therefore are most widely used in connection with cultivating bone cells.