Various fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments functionally adapt to dynamic and static loads. Although a variety of biomechanical studies have been performed so far to determine the mechanism of remodelling in fibrous tissues, it was difficult to obtain detailed information because of complicated constitution of the tissues. Meanwhile we have been developing a stem cell-based self-assembled tissue (scSAT) for tissue engineering, composed of synovial-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their native extracellular matrix. The scSAT used for cartilage repair is called tissue engineered construct (TEC) [1, 2]. Since the scSAT specimen is consisted of stem cells and their native extracellular matrix, it can be a good experimental model of fibrous tissues to determine the process of remodelling. Therefore, the effects of cyclic tensioning and its duration on the mechanical property of the scSAT specimen were investigated in the present study. It was also the purpose of the present study to determine the bio-synthesis condition adequate for improving the mechanical property of the scSAT specimen.

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