Combined Effects of Scaffold Material and Mechanical Stimulation on the Formation of Tissue Engineered Constructs Using Tendon and Ligament Progenitor Cells

Abstract

Tendon and ligament injuries account for one-third of all musculoskeletal injuries [1]. Collagen fibrils in these mechanosensitive tissues transmit forces to mobilize and stabilize joint movement. Donor tissues used to repair these tissues often lack the mechanical properties of the tissue they are replacing. One promising alternative using tissue engineering combines stem/progenitor cells in three-dimensional tissue engineered constructs (TECs).