Effect of Micropattern-Processed Array of Groove on the Tensile Properties of Stem Cell-Based Self-Assembled Tissues

We have been developing a novel tissue-engineering technique for the repair of ligaments and tendons which involves stem cell-based self-assembled tissues (scSAT) derived from synovium¹⁾. As the scSAT is composed of cells with their native extracellular matrix, it is free from concern regarding long-term immunological effects. In our previous study, the scSATs were produced on micropattern-processed culture plates having the array of grooves of 100 μm in width and 10 or 30 μm in depth²⁾. We found that the modulus and strength of the scSATs increased depth-dependently. Therefore, in the present study, the scSATs were produced on similar plates that had deeper grooves of 60 or 90 μm. The effect of the groove depth on the tensile properties of the scSATs was determined.