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.