Clinical approaches for repairing tendon injuries do not regenerate the tendon-bone junction (TB). The native TBJ contains region-specific compartments as well as gradients of matrix proteins and soluble biomolecules across the interface. Based on this heterogeneity we hypothesized that overlapping patterns of tendon, bone, and interface specific matrix proteins and soluble factors are required for regeneration of the anatomic insertion between tendon and bone. We have developed a homologous series of collagen-GAG (CG) biomaterials to assess the significance of microstructural as well as ECM protein and soluble biomolecule cues on mesenchymal stem cell bioactivity. Scaffold anisotropy, pore size, mineralization, and soluble biomolecule supplementation have been shown to regulate mesenchymal stem cell lineage specification towards, and long-term maintenance of, distinct tendinous, osseous, and interface phenotypes. Ongoing work is quantifying the potential of coincident matrix and biomolecule cues to drive regionally-distinct MSC differentiation and tissue biosynthesis in a single CG scaffold.

Biomolecular and structural cues in collagen-GAG scaffolds alter mesenchymal stem cell bioactivity for tendon-bone interface repair

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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