Modelling multi-scale cell-tissue interaction of tissue-engineered muscle constructs

J Tissue Eng. 2018 Aug 13:9:2041731418787141. doi: 10.1177/2041731418787141. eCollection 2018 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Expectation on engineered tissue substitute continues to grow, and for an effective development of a functional tissue and to control its quality, cellular mechanoresponse plays a key role. Although the mechanoresponse - in terms of cell-tissue interaction across scales - has been understood better in recent years, there are still technical limitations to quantitatively monitor the processes involved in the development of both native and engineered tissues. Computational (in silico) studies have been utilised to complement the experimental limitations and successfully applied to the prediction of tissue growth. We here review recent activities in the area of combined experimental and computational analyses of tissue growth, especially in the tissue engineering context, and highlight the advantages of such an approach for the future of the tissue engineering, using our own case study of predicting musculoskeletal tissue engineering construct development.

Keywords: Cellular mechanoresponse; agent-based method; engineered tissue growth prediction; finite element analysis.