Development and validation of a novel phonomimetic bioreactor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Voice Science

Background:

• Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are crucial for vocal fold tissue characteristics through extracellular matrix (ECM) production.
• Replicating the dynamic in vivo environment in vitro is essential for studying VFF behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, cost-effective phonomimetic bioreactor system.
• To assess the impact of phonatory stimuli on VFF gene and protein expression.

Main Methods:

• A bioreactor was constructed using flexible silicone-bottomed cell culture dishes and a loudspeaker.
• Laser Doppler vibrometry analyzed membrane vibration characteristics with and without cell culture medium.
• Human VFF were cultured, exposed to audio stimuli, and analyzed for viability and gene/protein expression compared to static controls.

Main Results:

• Cell culture medium altered the resonance frequencies of the vibrating silicone membranes.
• Vibrational stimuli significantly upregulated gene expression for hyaluronan synthase 2, collagen III, fibronectin, TGFβ-1, and collagen I in VFF.
• Collagen I gene and protein expression were significantly increased by vibration.

Conclusions:

• A novel, easily assembled, and cost-effective phonomimetic bioreactor was developed.
• The bioreactor effectively stimulates VFF with a wide range of phonatory stimuli.
• Vibrational stimulation significantly influences ECM metabolism in VFF, validating the system's efficacy.