A 1-min method for homogenous cell seeding in porous scaffolds

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a simple and rapid cell seeding procedure for both calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds and polymer scaffolds. Poly(d,l-lactic acid) and β-tri-calcium phosphate scaffolds were seeded with MC3T3-E1 cells in a syringe. Scaffolds were put in the syringe. After replacing the plunger, the cell suspension was drawn into the syringe. The syringe was closed and the plunger was retracted to the volume of the cell suspension to create a vacuum. This was done for 3 × 10 s. By this procedure, cells were homogenously distributed throughout the scaffold. The efficiency of cell seeding was approximately 60% for both scaffolds independent of the initial cell density. The hypotension the cells experienced for 3 × 10 s did not affect the proliferation capacity of the cells. In conclusion, this method of syringe-vacuum cell seeding is easy, quick, cheap, and easily to perform at an operating theatre.