Nano-scale and micro-scale substrate architectures direct collagen alignment in tendon neo-tissue formation

Biomaterial scaffolds that present defined microenvironmental cues (e.g., nano-topography) to cells have shown promise for a variety of tissue engineering applications. However, the specific cues best suited for promoting the formation of aligned, fibrous tissues such as tendon are not fully understood. In this study, we utilize a microphotopatterning (μPP) model system to precisely arrange scaffoldmimicking microenvironmental cues and investigate their role in the formation of tendon-like neo-tissues. Our data show that scaffold architectural features at both nano- and micro- length scales may be important parameters for directing tendon-like cell organization and the formation of aligned, fibrillar collagen. Copyright © 2013 by ASME.

Duke Scholars

Author David Simms Ruch Orthopaedic Surgery