Role of Biomechanical Force in Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cartilage Repair

The regeneration of damaged cartilage due to injuries and diseases is a major goal for the future. Cartilage has limited healing capacity. There have been a number of studies shown to induce cartilage regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Yet we are far from obtaining regenerated cartilage that has the properties similar to the native cartilage. Chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be induced by biophysical and biochemical factors. This review article focuses on the recent studies and their findings on the role of mechanical loading on inducing chondrogenesis of MSCs. Previous studies have demonstrated promising results on mechanical stimulation of MSC chondrogenesis. More studies are needed to provide optimal conditions for mechanical stimulation of MSC chondrogenesis and a better understanding in mechanisms behind it. Therefore, it will help to develop new strategies for cartilage repair using MSCbased therapies such as cell transplantation and cartilage tissue engineering.