title: Computational fluid dynamics for improved bioreactor design and 3D culture.
abstract: The complex relationship between the hydrodynamic environment and surrounding tissues directly impacts on the design and production of clinically useful grafts and implants. Tissue engineers have generally seen bioreactors as 'black boxes' within which tissue engineering constructs (TECs) are cultured. It is accepted that a more detailed description of fluid mechanics and nutrient transport within process equipment can be achieved by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology. This review discusses applications of CFD for tissue engineering-related bioreactors -- fluid flow processes have direct implications on cellular responses such as attachment, migration and proliferation. We conclude that CFD should be seen as an invaluable tool for analyzing and visualizing the impact of fluidic forces and stresses on cells and TECs.
authors.affiliation: Chair Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia. Dietmar.Hutmacher@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Dietmar W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hutmacher
authors.forename: Harmeet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D019149:Bioreactors; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation; D033081:Shear Strength; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods