Effects of mechanical strain on human osteoblastic precursor cells in type I collagen matrices

Background. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mechanical strain on human osteoblastic precursor cells in a three-dimensional scaffold. Methods. Osteoblastic precursor cells were seeded in a collagen type I gel and mechanically stretched by daily application of cyclic uniaxial strain. The expression of histone H4, core binding factor 1, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and collagen type I was investigated by-analysing the mRNA. Cell and matrix orientation were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Results. Cyclic stretching increased cell proliferation. The expression of osteogenic markers was slightly increased by mechanical strain. The cells and matrix were strictly oriented in the stress direction. Conclusion. The application of mechanical load might have a beneficial effect on the, quality and quantity of generated bone tissue and might be a important factor in tissue engineering of bone.