Mechanically induced structural changes during dynamic compression of engineered cartilaginous constructs can potentially explain increases in bulk mechanical properties.
Citation:
Nagel T, Kelly DJ, Mechanically induced structural changes during dynamic compression of engineered cartilaginous constructs can potentially explain increases in bulk mechanical properties., Journal of the Royal Society, Interface / the Royal Society, 9, 69, 2012, 777-89Download Item:
TARA Nagel Kelly 2012.pdf (Published (author's copy) - Peer Reviewed) 1.885Mb
Abstract:
Several studies on chondrocyte seeded hydrogels in bioreactor culture report increased
mechanical properties of mechanically loaded constructs compared to unloaded free swelling controls
despite no significant differences in biochemical composition. One possible explanation is that
changes in the collagen architecture of dynamically compressed constructs lead to improved mechanical
properties. Collagen molecules are incorporated locally into the extracellular matrix with
individual stress-free configurations and orientations. In this study we isolated and computationally
investigated possible influences of loading on the collagen architecture in chondrocyte seeded hydrogels
and their resulting mechanical properties. Both the collagen orientation and its stress-free
configuration were hypothesised to depend on the local mechanical environment. Reorientation of
the collagen network alone in response to dynamic compression leads to a prediction of constructs
with lower compressive properties. In contrast, remodelling of stress-free configurations of collagen
fibres was predicted to result in compacted tissues with higher swelling pressures and an altered
pre-stressed state of the collagen network. Combining both mechanisms resulted in predictions of
construct geometry and mechanical properties in agreement with experimental observations. This
study provides support for the hypothesis that structural changes to the collagen network contribute
to the enhanced mechanical properties of cartilaginous tissues engineered in bioreactor culture.
Sponsor
Grant Number
Irish Research Council for Science and Engineering Technology (IRCSET)
G30345
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
08/YI5/B1336
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/kellyd9http://people.tcd.ie/tnagel
Description:
PUBLISHED
Author: NAGEL, THOMAS; KELLY, DANIEL
Type of material:
Journal ArticleSeries/Report no:
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface / the Royal Society9
69
Availability:
Full text availableSubject (TCD):
Next Generation Medical DevicesDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2011.0449ISSN:
1742-5662Licences: