Bioreactors in tissue engineering: Advances in stem cell culture and three‐dimensional tissue constructs. Issue 7 (23rd April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gelinsky, Michael; Bernhardt, Anne; Milan, Falk
• Is Part Of: Engineering in life sciences. Volume 15:Issue 7(2015)
• Page Start: 670
• Page End: 677
• Publication Date: 2015-04-23
• Subjects: Bioengineering -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201400216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1618-0240

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Bioreactors play an increasing role in tissue engineering—the generation of mammalian tissue equivalents in vitro. They can be applied for effective (stem) cell expansion, which is a crucial step concerning the fabrication of tissue engineering constructs of clinically relevant dimensions for which large cell numbers are needed. Furthermore, bioreactors are necessary for the maintenance of three‐dimensional (3D) tissue engineering constructs during cultivation ex vivo, and can be used to further stimulate the cells with a variety of physical cues. The development of novel bioreactor systems as well as mathematical modeling of their characteristics is a fast‐developing field of research. The present review provides a concise overview about recent developments in bioreactors for stem cell expansion, perfusion bioreactor systems for 3D cultures, and bioreactors for physical stimulation.</p> </abstract>