FSF Bioreactor Design Improvement, Restoration, and Testing

Rahul Kumar, Junior, Columbia University Mentors: Sharan Ramaswamy Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Michael Sacks Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh Introduction: A bioreactor that is capable of cyclic flexure, stretch, and flow (FSF) has been previously designed and built by Engelmayr et al [1]. The bioreactor is used to implement mechanical stimuli on engineered heart valve tissue [2]. In this mechanical environment, enhanced tissue formation has been found [1]. The FSF bioreactor is shown in diagram A. Twenty four strips of tissue can be placed in the bioreactor. These tissues undergo flexure and stretch provided by a linear actuator. Fluid Flow is driven by a magnetic coupling system in conjunction with a paddle wheel, which is very energy efficient because it uses magnetic power. As described by Engelmayr et al [1], the FSF bioreactor was used to successfully achieve the acceleration of heart valve tissue formation. After 3 weeks, the collagen content of the tissue was 75% higher than tissue without mechanical stimuli; the tissue stiffness was drastically increased as well. In this project, we focus on this bioreactor design and proceed with relevant cell/tissue culture followed by engineered valvular tissue development.