A 3D printed mechanical bioreactor for investigating mechanobiology and soft tissue mechanics

MethodsX
Abigail R RavelingNathan R Schiele

Abstract

Mechanical loading is an important cue for directing stem cell fate and engineered tissue formation in vitro. Stem cells cultured on 2-dimensional (D) substrates and in 3D scaffolds have been shown to differentiate toward bone, tendon, cartilage, ligament, and skeletal muscle lineages depending on their exposure to mechanical stimuli. To apply this mechanical stimulus in vitro, mechanical bioreactors are needed. However, current bioreactor systems are challenged by their high cost, limited ability for customization, and lack of force measurement capabilities. We demonstrate the use of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) technology to design and fabricate a low-cost custom bioreactor system that can be used to apply controlled mechanical stimuli to cells in culture and measure the mechanical properties of small soft tissues. The results of our in vitro studies and mechanical evaluations show that 3DP technology is feasible as a platform for developing a low-cost, customizable, and multifunctional mechanical bioreactor system. • 3DP technology was used to print a multifunctional bioreactor system/tensile load frame for a fraction of the cost of commercial systems. • The system mechanically stimulated cells in culture and evaluated the m...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 19, 2020·Journal of Tissue Engineering·Adam J JanvierJames R Henstock
Sep 18, 2020·Micromachines·Spyridon AchinasGerrit Jan Willem Euverink
Feb 26, 2020·BMC Biomedical Engineering·Sophia K Theodossiou, Nathan R Schiele
Sep 26, 2020·Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·Joana Mendonça da SilvaClare Selden
May 28, 2019·Biointerphases·Emily MarinerMatthew T Bernards
Oct 22, 2019·Journal of Biomechanics·Sophia K TheodossiouNathan R Schiele
Nov 14, 2020·Fluids and Barriers of the CNS·Gabryel Conley NatividadBryn A Martin
Feb 5, 2021·Journal of Biomechanical Engineering·Sophia K TheodossiouNathan R Schiele
Feb 5, 2021·Journal of Biomechanical Engineering·Michael T K BramsonDavid T Corr

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BETA
force measurements

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SolidWorks
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