Abstract: The subject application provides an apparatus for applying mechanical loading to a biological sample, said apparatus comprising: a bioreactor device configured to house the biological sample, and a load application unit for applying mechanical loading to the biological sample housed in the bioreactor device, said load application unit including: a) a first sliding arm for applying mechanical displacement to the biological sample in the bioreactor device in a first predetermined direction; and b) a guide rail coupled to the first sliding arm to limit movement of the first sliding arm such that the first sliding arm moves only in the first predetermined direction when displaced.

Abstract: Scaffolds for tissue engineering prepared from biocompatible, biodegradable polymer-based, lighter than or light as water microcarriers and designed for cell culturing in vitro in a rotating bioreactor are provided. Methods for preparation and use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering devices are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for soft-tissue or soft tissue-to-bone repair, fixation, augmentation, or replacement that includes a biomimetic and biodegradable nanofiber scaffold. Also provided is a fully synthetic implantable multiphased scaffold which includes, in a single continuous construct, a plurality of phases to mimic the natural anatomy of a tendon or ligament and their insertion sites. Also provided are scaffold apparatuses for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for soft-tissue or soft tissue-to-bone repair, fixation, augmentation, or replacement that includes a biomimetic and biodegradable nanofiber scaffold. Also provided is a fully synthetic implantable multiphased scaffold which includes, in a single continuous construct, a plurality of phases to mimic the natural anatomy of a tendon or ligament and their insertion sites. Also provided are scaffold apparatuses for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. For example, a scaffold apparatus is provided which comprises microspheres of selected sizes and/or composition. The microspheres are layered to have a gradient of microsphere sizes and/or compositions. The scaffold provides a functional interface between multiple tissue types.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. For example, a scaffold apparatus is provided which comprises microspheres of selected sizes and/or composition. The microspheres are layered to have a gradient of microsphere sizes and/or compositions. The scaffold provides a functional interface between multiple tissue types.

Abstract: This application describes apparatuses and methods for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Specifically, graft collar and scaffold apparatuses are provided for promoting fixation of musculoskeletal soft tissue to bone. This application provides for graft collars comprising biopolymer mesh and/or polymer-fiber mesh for fixing tendon to bone. In one aspect, the graft collar comprises more than one region, wherein the regions can comprise different materials configured to promote integration of and the regeneration of the interfacial region between tendon and bone. This application also provides for scaffold apparatuses and methods for fixing musculoskeletal soft tissue to bone. The scaffold apparatus is multiphasic, preferably triphasic, and each phase is configured promote growth and proliferation of a different cell and its associated tissue. In one aspect, the scaffold apparatus is triphasic, with phases comprising materials to promote growth and proliferation of fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts.

Abstract: Bone grafting materials containing a polymer scaffold loaded with bone morphogenetic proteins and populated with muscle cells induced by the bone morphogenetic proteins to exhibit an osteoblastic phenotype and to synthesize bone tissue are provided. Also provided are methods for using these polymer scaffolds in bone grafting procedures.

Abstract: Scaffolds for tissue engineering prepared from biocompatible, biodegradable polymer-based, lighter than or light as water microcarriers and designed for cell culturing in vitro in a rotating bioreactor are provided. Methods for preparation and use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering devices are also provided.

Abstract: Degradable, polymeric fiber-based, three-dimensional braided scaffolds for use as graft materials in ligament and tendon repair, reconstruction and replacement are provided. Also provided are methods for preparing these scaffolds.