Computation of the fluid-induced shear stress in bioreactor-cultured 3D cell systems

Fluid-induced shear is known to enhance chondrogenesis on animal cells. We have developed a computational fluid dynamic model of the flow through chondrocyte seeded scaffolds cultured inside a novel bioreactor in which the culture medium flows through the constructs´ microstructure. The median shear stress imposed to the cells in the bioreactor culture, as predicted by the CFD model, is 3·10^-3 Pa at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min corresponding to an inlet fluid velocity of 4.42·10^-5 m/s. Providing a fluid-dynamic environment to the cells yielded significant differences in cell morphology.