Abstract Title

Investigating the Effects of Seeding Density on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Tenogenesis

Abstract

The increasing incidence of tendon injuries and lack of treatment options has motivated the need for new regenerative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for use in tissue engineered tendon replacements and regenerative therapies. A common approach is to seed MSCs in scaffolds such as collagen sponges or collagen gels. However, current challenges for tissue engineering is a limited understanding of the factors that control tendon tissue formation by MSCs in tissue engineered scaffolds. One potential factor is the initial cell seeding density, but seeding densities appear to vary from study to study. The objective of our study is to determine if there is an optimal seeding density for facilitating tendon formation by MSCs in vitro. To test this, MSCs are culture-expanded and then seeded into collagen sponge scaffolds (MSC-constructs) at 1x105, 5x105, 1 million, 1.5 million, and 2 million cells/scaffold. The MSC-constructs are cultured for 4 days. During this time collagen contraction is measured. After 4 days, the MSC-constructs are examined for cell morphology and mechanical properties. Initial results show that MSC-constructs with 1 million cells/scaffold contract at a rate of 33% in 72 hours. Future studies will determine how seeding density impacts tenogenic differentiation by the MSCs.

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Investigating the Effects of Seeding Density on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Tenogenesis

The increasing incidence of tendon injuries and lack of treatment options has motivated the need for new regenerative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for use in tissue engineered tendon replacements and regenerative therapies. A common approach is to seed MSCs in scaffolds such as collagen sponges or collagen gels. However, current challenges for tissue engineering is a limited understanding of the factors that control tendon tissue formation by MSCs in tissue engineered scaffolds. One potential factor is the initial cell seeding density, but seeding densities appear to vary from study to study. The objective of our study is to determine if there is an optimal seeding density for facilitating tendon formation by MSCs in vitro. To test this, MSCs are culture-expanded and then seeded into collagen sponge scaffolds (MSC-constructs) at 1x105, 5x105, 1 million, 1.5 million, and 2 million cells/scaffold. The MSC-constructs are cultured for 4 days. During this time collagen contraction is measured. After 4 days, the MSC-constructs are examined for cell morphology and mechanical properties. Initial results show that MSC-constructs with 1 million cells/scaffold contract at a rate of 33% in 72 hours. Future studies will determine how seeding density impacts tenogenic differentiation by the MSCs.