In the IVD AF study, what was observed in the unstrained control samples of biphasic scaffolds?

The observation in the unstrained control samples of biphasic scaffolds indicating that fiber distribution was random with undulated morphology is a significant finding in studies related to tissue engineering, particularly in the context of intervertebral disc (IVD) annulus fibrosus (AF) research. This randomness in fiber distribution is typical under unstrained conditions, as mechanical forces are usually necessary to orient fibers and influence cellular alignment and behavior.

In the absence of mechanical strain, cells may not exhibit the typical organized structure that facilitates tissue regeneration. Instead, the undulated morphology suggests that the scaffold is not under mechanical load, which typically helps to promote more defined alignments and functional cellular architectures, leading to improved tissue integration and function. This fundamental understanding of the interplay between mechanical loading and cellular behavior is critical for developing effective tissue engineering strategies.

In contrast, aspects like enhanced collagen synthesis with mechanical loading and significant scaffold degradation are more likely associated with dynamic conditions rather than static, unstrained samples. The alignment and elongation of cells often result from specific mechanical stimuli, emphasizing the importance of controlled environments in tissue engineering research.