3D Printed Vascular Networks Enhance Viability in High-Volume Perfusion Bioreactor.

ABSTRACT: There is a significant clinical need for engineered bone graft substitutes that can quickly, effectively, and safely repair large segmental bone defects. One emerging field of interest involves the growth of engineered bone tissue in vitro within bioreactors, the most promising of which are perfusion bioreactors. Using bioreactor systems, tissue engineered bone constructs can be fabricated in vitro. However, these engineered constructs lack inherent vasculature and once implanted, quickly develop a necrotic core, where no nutrient exchange occurs. Here, we utilized COMSOL modeling to predict oxygen diffusion gradients throughout aggregated alginate constructs, which allowed for the computer-aided design of printable vascular networks, compatible with any large tissue engineered construct c

SUBMITTER: Ball O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5114154 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature