A Novel Multi-Stimuli Bioreactor For Tissue Engineering Cartilage

The demand for tissue engineered articular cartilage for implantation in patients with osteoarthritis requires the development of stable and robust large scale production systems. This can be accomplished through the use of a bioreactor that applies mechanical loading and regulates nutrient transport to promote cell growth, cell differentiation and tissue production. In the present work we have developed a shear stress and perfusion bioreactor (SSPB) capable of providing multiple stimuli to facilitate large-scale production of tissue engineered cartilage.