Bioreactor
Biomedical Engineering
SwRI developed a bioreactor that mimics the desired cell environment to promote stem cell expansion.
An in vitro stem cell expansion device (also called a bioreactor) that mimics the desired cell environment to promote stem cell expansion while preserving self-renewal and multipotent properties was developed at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). To mimic the in vivo cell environment, we use a three-dimensional (3D) collagen scaffold that has open-cell interconnected porous network that resembles the desired tissue with a specialized circulation system, including controlled fluid flow, nutrition supply, gas (O2, CO2) concentration, and temperature conditions similar to the tissue environment.
While SwRI is currently using the bioreactor for bone applications, the technology can be modified for the development of other tissue-specific bioreactors, such as bioreactors for cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, etc.
Related Terminology
stem cell expansion • biomedical engineering • biomedical technology • medical device • biotechnology • orthopedic center • wound status monitoring • wound healing therapies • limb health • biomechanics • cardiac biodynamics • hemodynamics • joint articulation • joint lubrication • mechanical modeling • micromechanical behavior • orthopedic implant • spinal fusion
