Stepped Cyclic Strain, that Increases or Decreases as Hierarchical Collagen Fibers Form, Does not Further Improve Maturation in Engineered Ligaments

The primary source of strength in ligaments and tendons are hierarchically organized collagen fibers.

The primary source of strength in ligaments and tendons are hierarchically organized collagen fibers. These fibers largely do not regenerate after injury, with repair, nor in engineered replacements, limiting treatment options. Previously, we developed a culture system which…