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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:28
Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials
Published on: March 9, 2017
Chemical sensing and control in cell & tissue bioreactors
1Dept. of Communication, Computer & System Sciences, Genova University, Italy; Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan; Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China; Oxford BioHorizons Ltd., UK.
Summary
Bioreactors for cell and tissue engineering now feature advanced chemical sensing for precise control. This enables automated optimization of cell culture conditions, improving tissue engineering outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Bioreactors are crucial for cell and tissue engineering, requiring precise control over physical and chemical conditions.
- Dynamic cell culture processes necessitate continuous monitoring of key variables for optimization.
- Current bioreactor technology aims to achieve automated optimal control through advanced sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe chemical sensing systems for cell and tissue bioreactors.
- To enable precise monitoring of culture conditions for automated process optimization.
- To support the culture of diverse cell types like chondrocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of invasive and non-invasive electrochemical and optical sensing systems.
- Monitoring of target analytes including gases (O2, CO2), ions, metabolites (glucose), hormones, and proteins.
- Sensing strategies include interrogation via bioreactor wall, in-situ probes, and shunt/sampling chambers.
- Analysis of culture medium for glucose and protein markers; optical analysis for cell/tissue structure.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of sensing capabilities for a wide range of analytes relevant to cell culture.
- Emphasis on precise measurement of oxygen (O2), pH, carbon dioxide (CO2), and glucose.
- Successful integration of sensing technologies for real-time monitoring within bioreactors.
- Exploration of optical methods for both chemical and structural analysis of cells and tissues.
Conclusions:
- Advanced chemical sensing is essential for the precise control and optimization of cell and tissue bioreactors.
- The described sensing systems facilitate dynamic monitoring and pave the way for automated control.
- These technologies support the advancement of cell and tissue engineering for various applications.
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