Application of Bioreactors to Improve Functionality of Bone Tissue Engineering Constructs: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Traditional in vitro bone graft culturing using static conditions faces limitations.
• Bioreactors offer a dynamic environment, bridging in vitro and in vivo conditions by mimicking physiological and mechanical stimuli.
• Advancements in technology have led to the development of various bioreactor systems for bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the application of different bioreactor types in bone tissue engineering.
• To identify effective bioreactor strategies for enhancing bone graft development.
• To consolidate findings on optimal parameters for bioreactor-based bone tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
• Studies published between January 2011 and December 2016 were included.
• Included studies encompassed both in vitro and in vivo research on bioreactor applications in bone tissue engineering, categorized by bioreactor type.

Main Results:

• Combined bioreactors demonstrated effectiveness in bone tissue engineering applications.
• An optimal flow rate range of 1-2 ml/min was identified.
• Cylindrical scaffold shapes were found to be appropriate for bone tissue engineering.
• Pre-incubation of scaffolds with cells followed by bioreactor culture with osteogenic medium promoted cell attachment and differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Combined bioreactors represent a promising technology for bone tissue engineering.
• Specific operational parameters, including flow rate and scaffold geometry, are crucial for successful outcomes.
• A sequential approach involving initial cell seeding and subsequent bioreactor culture enhances cell integration and osteogenic differentiation.