Quantification of the Temporal Evolution of Collagen Orientation in Mechanically Conditioned Engineered Cardiovascular Tissues

• DOI: 10.1007/s10439-009-9698-x
• Publication Date: 2009-05-04T21:55:19Z
• Authors: Mirjam P. Rubbens; Anita Driessen-Mol; Ralf A. Boerboom; Marc M. J. Koppert; Hans C. van Assen; Bart M. TerHaar R...; Frank P. T. Baaijens; Carlijn V. C. Bouten
• Keywords: Collagen fiber; Load bearing; Mechanical load; Native tissue

Load-bearing soft tissues predominantly consist of collagen and exhibit anisotropic, non-linear visco-elastic behavior, coupled to the organization fibers. Mimicking native mechanical behavior forms a major goal in cardiovascular tissue engineering. Engineered often lack properly organized consequently do not meet vivo demands. To improve architecture properties, stimulation during vitro growth is crucial. This study describes evolution fiber orientation with culture time engineered constructs response loading. achieve this, novel technique for quantification used, based on 3D vital imaging using multiphoton microscopy combined image analysis. The consisted cell-seeded biodegradable rectangular scaffolds, which were either constrained or intermittently strained longitudinal direction. Collagen analyses revealed that loading induced alignment. alignment shifted from oblique at surface construct towards parallel straining direction deeper layers. Most importantly, intermittent improved accelerated fibers, as compared constraining constructs. Both method results are relevant create monitor load-bearing an anisotropic network.