Rotating Bioreactor Arbor Assembly for Variable Scaffold Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactor technologies face challenges in accommodating tissues and scaffolds of varying sizes, as well as effectively decellularizing and recellularizing tissues, while ensuring compatibility and optimal growth conditions for tissue engineering and organ replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rotating bioreactor system with an arbor assembly and cannula units that allow for adjustable length and diameter settings, enabling the use of tubular scaffolds of different dimensions, and featuring separate fluid pathways for independent control of media flow, which can be used for decellularization and recellularization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size bioreactor system is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate tissues and scaffolds of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor system is divided into modular components including interchangeable arbor assemblies with different diameter specifications (e.g., 2 cm, 4 cm, 6 cm arbors) and adjustable length configurations. This segmentation allows users to select and combine appropriate components for different tissue and scaffold sizes without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor incorporates adjustable length arbor assemblies that can be configured to match the specific dimensions of the tissue or scaffold being cultured. The dynamic adjustability of the arbor length and the ability to interchange arbors with different diameters enables the system to adapt to varying experimental requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate fluid pathways are implemented for decellularization and recellularization, then process control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into separate pathways with independent flow control mechanisms. One pathway delivers decellularization solution through the lumen while another pathway delivers recellularization media to the exterior surface. This segmentation enables precise, independent control of each process parameter without requiring complex integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual fluid pathway system is designed to handle multiple functions through a unified structure. The same bioreactor vessel and arbor assembly can accommodate both decellularization and recellularization processes by simply changing the fluid delivery configuration and control parameters, rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Productivity
If rotating bioreactor design is used, then cellularization efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor employs controlled rotational motion that creates periodic fluid flow patterns and mechanical stimulation. This periodic action enhances cellularization by repeatedly exposing cells to nutrient-rich media and mechanical cues. The regular, predictable nature of the rotation allows for standardized process parameters and simplifies monitoring compared to chaotic or irregular motion patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to rotating bioreactors and articles and methods that are useful for adapting a rotating bioreactor for use with tissues or scaffolds of different sizes. In some embodiments, bioreactors comprising a reservoir and an arbor assembly are provided herein, in which the arbor assembly comprises a rotatable support to which a tissue or tissue scaffold can be attached.