Bioreactors in tissue engineering: scientific challenges and clinical perspectives

In this Chapter we discuss the role of bioreactors in the translational paradigm of Tissue Engineering approaches from basic research to streamlined tissue manufacturing. In particular, we will highlight their functions as: (1) Pragmatic tools for tissue engineers, making up for limitations of conventional manual and static techniques, enabling automation and allowing physical conditioning of the developing tissues; (2) 3D culture model systems, enabling us to recapitulate specific aspects of the actual in vivo milieu and, when properly integrated with computational modeling efforts and sensing and control techniques, to address challenging scientific questions; (3) Tissue manufacturing devices, implementing bioprocesses so as to support safe, standardized, scaleable, traceable and possibly cost-effective production of grafts for clinical use. We will provide evidences that fundamental knowledge gained through the use of well-defined and controlled bio-reactor systems at the research level will be essential to define, optimize, and moreover, streamline the key processes required for efficient manufacturing models.