Development of an Effective Cell Seeding Technique: Simulation, Implementation, and Analysis of Contributing Factors

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cell seeding is crucial for tissue engineering and mechanobiological studies.
• The compression release-induced suction (CRIS) technique actively infiltrates cell suspensions into scaffolds.
• CRIS effectiveness depends on factors like loading rate and scaffold architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically evaluate the influence of seeding loading regimes on CRIS effectiveness using a 2D axisymmetric finite element model.
• To optimize CRIS seeding parameters for improved cell distribution and infiltration.
• To analyze the impact of scaffold properties (permeability, thickness, coating) on seeding efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Development and utilization of a 2D axisymmetric finite element model for CRIS simulation.
• In vitro validation of simulation-optimized CRIS seeding parameters.
• Application of slow rotation post-seeding for enhanced cell distribution.
• Full factorial design of experiments to assess the relative importance of scaffold properties.

Main Results:

• CRIS seeding, optimized via simulation, demonstrated superior in vitro effectiveness compared to static methods.
• Scaffold permeability was identified as a critical factor influencing CRIS seeding effectiveness.
• Incorporating slow rotation post-CRIS improved cell distribution, particularly in low-permeability scaffolds.
• Permeability was found to have a greater impact on CRIS seeding efficiency and uniformity than scaffold thickness or coating.

Conclusions:

• Finite element modeling is effective for optimizing CRIS seeding parameters.
• Scaffold permeability is the most significant factor affecting CRIS seeding efficiency.
• Combining optimized CRIS loading with post-seeding rotation enhances cell distribution in engineered tissues.