Dynamically-Driven Osteoblast Attachment and Stress Fibers Formation on 3D Nano-Architected Scaffold-On-Chip

The underlying mechanisms leading to bone density loss, which increases bone fracture susceptibility, are not well understood at the cellular level. Decades of cell studies on relatively compliant 2D surfaces and hydrogels have led us to believe mechanical stimulation of bone can reverse bone loss. To date, an understanding of the stimuli that promote adhesion of bone like cells on 3D surfaces remains elusive . Here we employ tunable 3D nano-architected materials as platforms to examine the effects of different dynamic loading conditions on osteoblast-like (SAOS-2) cell proliferation and adhesion. After cyclic compression, stress fibers formation increased across material systems regardless of constant strain or stress. Increasing loading frequency from 0 to 3Hz resulted in a 50 % increase in stress fibers formation, suggesting that osteoblasts might be most sensitive to changes in loading frequency. These findings demonstrate that 3D architected materials offer an innovative platform to study complex cellular behaviors and can contribute to understanding the role that mechanical stimulation plays in cytoskeletal reorganization.