Flexural Modulus in Tissue-Engineered Human Septal Cartilage

Abstract

Objective: 1) Determine the flexural modulus (intrinsic flexibility) of tissue-engineered human septal neocartilage constructs using 3 point bending mechanical testing. 2) Compare the flexibility of native human septal cartilage to human tissue-engineered septal cartilage constructs using 3-point bending mechanical testing.

Method: Strips of tissue-engineered human septal neocartilage and native septal cartilage were subjected to 3-point bending using a testing apparatus with axial load cell and actuator. Uniform stress was applied while displacement and strain were recorded. The flexural rigidity or bending modulus was calculated for each sample.

Results: After 10 weeks in culture, the flexural modulus of tissue-engineered human septal neocartilage constructs was 0.462 N/mm2 versus 3.28 N/mm2 for native tissue (P = .002). No samples fractured or demonstrated plastic deformation.

Conclusion: Tissue-engineered septal neocartilage was 7.1-fold more flexible than native septal cartilage. This study demonstrates that flexural moduli of tissue engineered septal cartilage can be determined after 10 weeks in culture, providing a useful measure of construct properties relative to native tissue.