Modification of a direct perfusion bioreactor for evaluation of SaOS-2 cell response to multiple ceramic bone graft substitutes in vitro

Researchers use bioreactors in an attempt to greater simulate in vivo conditions in an in vitro environment. However, there is no commercially available bioreactor that allows for adjustable flow rates, simultaneous testing of multiple types of samples, and flow-induced fluid shear stress on the cells [1,2,3]. The proposed design is a perfusion bioreactor that allows testing of client-specific scaffolds. The setup must include chambers to accommodate multiple samples. The flow rate of the media through the system must be conducive to osteoblast proliferation. This media flow must also induce physiologically-relevant shear stresses on the seeded cells. Finally, the environment must be similar to biological conditions and maintain proper nutrient delivery, waste disposal, pH balance, and gas exchange. The projected design will utilize two peristaltic pumps to move media from the reservoir through the scaffolds in the growth chambers. Media will re-circulate through the closed-loop system, and a bleed port will allow for media sampling. Waste media will also be analyzed for glucose consumption and expression of several osteoblastic cell markers will be analyzed with the use of biochemical assays. The bioreactor must support the scaffolds and their relative physical dimensions. The environment must support the preferred SaOS-2 cell line and remain sterile for the duration of the experiment.