5. Computational Simulation of Cell Seeding in a Tissue Engineering Scaffold

Perfusion systems can help to drive cells to scaffold substrate with regular distribution and high efficiency. However, it is difficult to predict experimentally which are the best bioreactor conditions for such outcomes. In this chapter, a CFD model is developed to predict the local fluid flow conditions inside the scaffold, and a discrete phase representing the cells is included to describe cell motion near the scaffold substrate. The computational model is developed in combination with particle tracking experiments performed inside a 3D scaffold in order to configure and validate the model with well-characterized experimental data. The study showed that the computational model can describe the velocity profiles inside the scaffold as well as cell path. It was found that cells mainly follow the fluid streamlines passing throughout all scaffold pores. High permeability in scaffolds is beneficial to distribute cells; however, it does not guarantee the deposition of cells on the scaffold substrate and cell adhesion. The presented CFD model can help to design and optimize perfusion systems to reach the desired cell distribution and density which will affect the final tissue properties.