Mechanotransducive Biomimetic Systems for Chondrogenic Differentiation In Vitro

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term chronic joint disease characterized by the deterioration of bones and cartilage, which results in rubbing of bones which causes joint stiffness, pain, and restriction of movement. Tissue engineering strategies for repairing damaged and diseased cartilage tissue have been widely studied with various types of stem cells, chondrocytes, and extracellular matrices being on the lead of new discoveries. The application of natural or synthetic compound-based scaffolds for the improvement of chondrogenic differentiation efficiency and cartilage tissue engineering is of great interest in regenerative medicine. However, the properties of such constructs under conditions of mechanical load, which is one of the most important factors for the successful cartilage regeneration and functioning in vivo is poorly understood. In this review, we have primarily focused on natural compounds, particularly extracellular matrix macromolecule-based scaffolds and their combinations for the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells and chondrocytes. We also discuss different mechanical forces and compression models that are used for In Vitro studies to improve chondrogenic differentiation. Summary of provided mechanical stimulation models In Vitro reviews the current state of the cartilage tissue regeneration technologies and to the potential for more efficient application of cell- and scaffold-based technologies for osteoarthritis or other cartilage disorders.

Stepwise Proliferation and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Collagen Sponges under Different Microenvironments

“…A variety of biological factors and physiochemical cues have been reported for their influences on the functions and differentiation of stem cells [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Supplementation with CI factors such as dexamethasone and TGF-β3 is important for chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Induction factors are generally added to the culture medium during in vitro induction culture.…”

Application of shear stress for enhanced osteogenic differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells

“…Several studies have demonstrated that mechanical forces induce the differentiation and maturation of stem cells toward bone 4,24,25 and cartilage cells 11,[26][27][28] . Laminar shear stress mediates early lineage specification of singlecell monolayer-cultured mouse ES cells 6 .…”

Functionalized Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair: The Value of Secretome-Instructive Signaling

“…The diffusion rate of solutes, enzymes, factors, and other elements in the hydrogel depends on the relationship between the size of the molecule/particle and the mesh size of the polymer network [ 118 , 120 ]. Thus, the hydrogel porosity, which is related to its mechanical and physicochemical properties (swelling ratio, degradation resistance), influences the degradability rate of the hydrogel [ 121 , 122 ], nutrient diffusion, transport of oxygen, removal of toxic components, as well as the cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion [ 3 , 41 , 121 , 122 , 123 ]. Therefore, by modulating the mesh size, swelling, and degradability rate, it is possible to produce hydrogels capable of stabilizing molecules and other bioactive factors and releasing them in a controlled manner, enhancing and tuning the regenerative process.…”

“…Moreover, transduction of mechanical stimuli (i.e., mechanotransduction) in chondrocytes influences their maintenance, viability, gene expression, chondrogenic activity, and ECM deposition [ 3 ]. Under normal conditions, the few chondrocytes present in cartilage can maintain the composition of the ECM in a balance between degradation and production of ECM proteins.…”