Bioreactor development for regenerative tissues of the locomotor system

Abstract

In biomedical engineering it is an important challenge to predict the mechanical behaviour of living biological tissues under dynamic loading conditions. As a basis for theoretical models, experimental set-ups are necessary to trace evolutive processes, such as remodelling and growth, in biological materials. However, in order to mimic in-vivo situations most realistically, invitro bioreactor systems with physiologically enhanced loading conditions have to be developed. The present study deals with a set of bioreactor systems covering a wide range of applications for investigating remodelling behaviour of biological tissues, such as cartilage replacement materials in knee joints, tendons, and intervertebral discs.