Automated dynamic bioreactor for 2D endothelial structures

This work deals with construction of automated bioreactor that is used for 2D planar endothelial structures in optimized cultivation chamber. Designed bioreactor is controlled by industrial PC with FPGA card. It consists of proportionally controlled peristaltic pumps for cultivation media perfusion, necessary sensors and electronics for maintaining stable and repeatable operation during experiments, redundant power supply. FPGA card design gives deterministic control with implemented safety routines. Monitoring controlling software allows remote access. Endothelial cells are during experiments exposed to laminar flow at given shear stress, which helps to orient them in direction of flow and improves structure of cytoskeleton and intercellular connections. Results from cultivation experiments leads to establishing cultivation of 3D tubular structures and artificial vascular prostheses.