Effects of ECM alignment on migration of ligament fibroblast with applied DC EF

Electric fields (EFs) induce and enhance cell migration in various tissues. We applied electric field to enhance the migration of the ligament fibroblasts on its native matrix, and the alignment of the collagen fibers also affects the migration of the fibroblasts. Cell migration plays an important role in normal physiological activities, including wound healing and morphogenesis. Cruciate ligament is mainly used to stabilize the knee joint, and ligaments are the most common injury sites. When subject to applied EF, ligament fibroblasts enhance migration along their native matrix when fibers were oriented parallel to the direction of the field. We further simplify ligament structure to use collagen alignment to test structure effect. When collagen fibers were oriented perpendicular to the direction of the field, cells migrate slowly. Therefore, collagen fiber alignment effects cells migration.