Computer-aided mechanogenesis of skeletal muscle organs from single cells in vitro.

Complex mechanical forces generated in the growing embryo play an important role in organogenesis. Computerized mechanical application of similar forces to differentiating skeletal muscle myoblasts in vitro generate three-dimensional artificial muscle organs. These organs contain parallel networks of long unbranched myofibers organized into fascicle-like structures. Tendon development is initiated and the muscles are capable of performing directed, functional work. Kinetically engineered organs provide a new method for studying the growth and development of normal and diseased tissue.