Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into any mesenchymal tissue, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. MSC differentiation can be influenced by a variety of stimuli, including environmental and mechanical stimulation, scaffold physical properties, or applied loads. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of vibration or cyclic tensile strain on MSCs towards developing a mechanically based method of differentiation, but there is no consensus between studies and each investigation uses different culture conditions, which also influence MSC fate. Here we present an overview of the response of MSCs to vibration and cyclic tension, focusing on the effect of various culture conditions and strain or vibration parameters. Our review reveals that scaffold type (e.g., natural versus synthetic; 2D versus 3D) can influence cell response to vibration and strain to the same degree as loading parameters. Hence, in the efforts to use mechanical loading as a reliable method to differentiate cells, scaffold selection is as important as method of loading.
Highlights
In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are often preferable to fully differentiated cells, which are limited in supply and do not multiply as rapidly or to as great an extent [1]
Cell responses have been guided by the microenvironment, whether cells are in their native environment, a transplanted in vivo environment, or cultured using tissue culture plastic, 2D scaffolds, or 3D scaffolds
The response of MSCs subjected to cyclic strain and vibration appear to vary with loading parameter as much as it varies with culture conditions
Summary
In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are often preferable to fully differentiated cells, which are limited in supply and do not multiply as rapidly or to as great an extent [1]. The MSC response to tensile strain and vibration has been researched using various scaffolds and stimulation parameters. Typical MSC responses to various mechanical loading include differentiation into osteocytes and chondrocytes, often guided by the presence of growth factors and calcium. Cell responses have been guided by the microenvironment, whether cells are in their native environment, a transplanted in vivo environment, or cultured using tissue culture plastic, 2D scaffolds, or 3D scaffolds. When examining the aforementioned loading conditions, tensile strain of tissues is perhaps the easiest to measure in vivo, while vibration is the easiest to apply in vivo. For tensile strain and vibration, it is possible to compare their effects when applied in vivo versus in vitro. This review focuses on the effect of tensile strain and vibration on the fate of MSCs in a variety of culture environments
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