Distributed and Lumped Parameter Models for the Characterization of High Throughput Bioreactors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Next-generation bioreactors aim to mimic human physiology by integrating multiple cell-based tissue analogs.
• Understanding fluid dynamics in these interconnected systems is vital for nutrient and waste transport prediction and device optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general computational approach for modeling the microfluidics of multi-chamber, interconnected bioreactor systems.
• To address the multi-physics challenges in modeling fluid flow in both channels and porous media.
• To provide a predictive tool for the organ-on-chip community.

Main Methods:

• Developed a computational model for microfluidics in multi-chamber bioreactors.
• Addressed multi-physics challenges combining free flow and porous media flow.
• Coupled fluid dynamics with advection-diffusion-reaction equations for biomolecule transport.
• Utilized a lumped parameter approach for efficient analysis of multi-unit bioreactor systems.

Main Results:

• Successfully modeled the microfluidics of a multi-chamber bioreactor designed for osteochondral constructs.
• The computational approach integrates free flow, porous media flow, and biomolecule transport.
• A lumped parameter method was developed for efficient analysis of interconnected bioreactor systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed computational approach provides a predictive tool for organ-on-chip systems.
• The lumped parameter method enables efficient analysis of multi-unit bioreactor behavior.
• This work facilitates the design and optimization of advanced bioreactors for tissue engineering.