Effect of fluid shear stress on differentiation of mesechymal stem cells

Calcium phosphate (CaP) materials are extensively used to treat bone defects because of their chemical similarity to the mineral phases of bone tissue, their excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity and osteointegration properties. Moreover, 3D scaffolds based on CaP materials, in combination with mesenchymal stem cells can be utilized to engineer tissues such as bone and cartilage. A major limitations of 3D constructs is oxygen and nutrient supply within the inner recesses of the 3D scaffold, usually resulting in poor cell viability and growth potential. Bioreactors allow the perfusion of medium throughout the scaffold, thus reducing the mass transfer limitations and in addition exert mechanical forces as a result of to fluid flow. In this study, a macroporous monetite (CaHPO4) cement was produced and characterized; then cultured in a bioreactor under fluid flow conditions to ascertain the potential effect of the dynamic conditions on the induction of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) towards and osteogenic lineage.