Bioreactors for evaluating cell infiltration and tissue formation in biomaterials

Bioreactors allow for engineering complex three-dimensional tissues in vitro as well as understanding and controlling tissue assembly and function on a cellular level. There are numerous designs, configurations, and conditions that have been applied for cell and tissue culture of liver, heart, bone, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and other tissues. Computational fluid dynamics as well as other monitoring and sensing technologies can further optimize the mechanical, electrical and chemical conditions used in bioreactors. This chapter is a brief summary of technologies and conditions tested in bioreactor systems for cell infiltration and tissue formation, as well as a review of critical shortcomings and future developments that would allow for development of clinically relevant tissues.