Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering: Individual and synergetic effects of three-dimensional environment and mechanical loading

Abstract

Chondrogenesis of dedifferentiated chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells is influenced not only by soluble molecules like growth factors, but also by the cell environment itself, through mechanical cues – which act as stimulation factor and influences nutrient transport - and through adhesion to extracellular matrix cues – which determine cell shape. Although the effects of each separate effect are known, few observation and conclusions about the interaction between both of them have been developed. In this work, it is reviewed the state of the art on the single effects between mechanical and biochemical cues, and on the combination between them. Furthermore, a discussion is provided on the existent lack of techniques currently used to determine the mechanical properties of materials and tissues generated in vitro, and the new trends to solve that.