Computational fluid dynamics modeling of momentum transport in rotating wall perfused bioreactor for cartilage tissue engineering

In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a rotating-wall perfused-vessel (RWPV) bioreactor is performed to characterize the complex hydrodynamic environment for the simulation of cartilage development in RWPV bioreactor in the presence of tissue-engineered cartilage constructs, i.e., cell-chitosan scaffolds. Shear stress exerted on chitosan scaffolds in bioreactor was calculated for different rotational velocities in the range of 33-38rpm. According to the calculations, the lateral and lower surfaces were exposed to 0.07926-0.11069dyne/cm² and 0.05974-0.08345dyne/cm², respectively, while upper surfaces of constructs were exposed to 0.09196-0.12847dyne/cm². Results validate adequate hydrodynamic environment for scaffolds in RWPV bioreactor for cartilage tissue development which concludes the suitability of operational conditions of RWPV bioreactor.