Rita Abousleiman, Bioengineering Center, University of Oklahoma, 100 E Boyd, T-335, Norman, OK 73019, Peter S. McFetridge, Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd, Rm T-335, Norman, OK 73019, and Vassilios I. Sikavitsas, University of Oklahoma, Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, 100 East Boyd, Rm T-335, Norman, OK 73019.
In this study, we attempt to develop a tissue engineering tendon model using Human Umbilical Veins (HUV) as scaffolds coupled with Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy and with mechanical stimulation. HUV sections were dissected from fresh human umbilical cords, decellularized, and seeded with rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC's). A special bioreactor was designed to house and mechanically stimulate the constructs for periods of one and two weeks. Samples cultured statically were used as controls. Two weeks post culture mechanically stimulated constructs were almost 10 folds more cellular and 70% stronger than the static controls. Mechanical stimulation gave MSC's a tendon-like morphology possibly reflecting tendogenesis.