Optimization of a Trachea Bioreactor Design and Cell Seeding Parameters for the Re-epithelialization of Tracheal Scaffolds: a CFD Approach
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Successful re-epithelialization of de-epithelialized tracheal scaffolds remains a challenge for tracheal graft success. Currently, the lack of understanding of the bioreactor hydrodynamic environment, and its relation to cell seeding outcomes, serve as major obstacles to obtaining viable tracheal grafts. In this work, we used computational fluid dynamics to (a) re-design the fluid delivery system of a trachea bioreactor to promote a spatially uniform hydrodynamic environment, and (b) optimize the perfusion cell seeding protocol to promote a spatially uniform cell deposition. Results showed that the proposed design change achieves these design goals. Lagrangian particle-tracking simulations showed that low rotation rates provide more uniform circumferential and longitudinal patterns of cell deposition, while higher rotation rates only improve circumferential uniformity but bias cell deposition proximally. Validation experiments with BEAS-2B cells confirm that the model accurately predicts cell deposition but not cell attachment, suggesting the need for including biologically accurate cell-cell and cell-scaffold interaction mechanisms in the simulations.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Hankyu Lee
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2973128635