We developed a new technique of mechanically stimulating articular cartilage in-vitro so that the mechanical properties of tissue engineered cartilage could be improved. We are using a new hydromechanical stimulation regime where an indenter applies a combined hydrodynamic friction, cyclic compression and perfusion on cartilage constructs to mechanically stimulate them. We are currently testing this stimulation regime to indentify the optimal combination of stimulation parameters. The stimulation technique can be used to develop articular cartilage tissue to treat osteoarthritis.
