Products CartiGen: Mechanical Compression Bioreactor Systems

Watch a video of the CartiGen (C10-12) bioreactor.

BISS TGT's Series of bioreactors provide mechanical stimulation to three dimensional tissue engineered constructs to create physiological conditions in-vitro. The CartiGen system imparts compressive or hydrostatic stress (CartiGen HP) to a cartilage construct. The stress/strain profiles can be defined by the user and can be a simple harmonic (sinusoidal) or a physiological waveform. Applications include the investigation of cell function and differentiation, pharmaceutical benchtop testing, and the seeding and growth of engineered tissues and medical devices. Researchers are currently utilizing these systems in a wide range of research areas including:

• Stem cell stimulation
• Meniscus regenerative medicine
• Chondrocyte stimulation

Mechanical Compression Bioreactor Configurations:

BISS recognizes that research requirements can vary widely depending on the application and intended use.  We have a series of standard mechanical compression bioreactor system configurations to choose from.

Single Sample: C10-1

The C10-1 system has been designed as a single sample bioreactor system that is able to support a wide range of cell and tissue growth experiments utilizing compression. The chamber can accommodate a single sample with a maximum size of 30 mm diameter x 5 mm thick. Optional features such as additional mechanical transducers customize the instrument for the specific research application.

Multi-Sample & Imaging: C10-12c

The C10-12c system has been designed as a multi-sample bioreactor system that is able to support a wide range of cell and tissue growth experiments. This chamber can accommodate up to 12 disc shaped samples with a maximum size of 10mm diameter x 5mm thick. The C10-12c's unique design includes optical grade windows on the bottom of the chamber, allowing researchers to view their samples with a confocol microscope without interrupting the culturing process. Optional features such as additional mechanical transducers customize the instrument for the specific research application.

Multi-Sample & Perfusion: C9-x

The C9-x system has been designed as a multi-sample bioreactor system that is able to support a wide range of cell and tissue growth experiments. The chamber can accommodate up to 9 disc shaped samples with a maximum size of 8mm diameter x 5mm thick. The C9-x's unique design integrates porous platens within the bottom of the chamber to permit perfusion through the sample constructs. This feature allows researchers to direct flow through the construct while applying oscillatory compressive stimulation. Optional features such as additional mechanical transducers and perfusion systems customize the instrument for the specific research application.

Bioreactor Stimulator

Each of the CartiGen systems applies load using a 40N linear motor and monitored/controlled using an integrated load cell. The motor also incorporates a displacement transducer for monitoring and controlling the applied displacement. The motor delivers user defined waveforms of physiological significance.

GrowthWorks® Software & Control:

A fifth generation design, the GrowthWorks Software and Control platform includes advanced capabilities, such as multiple waveform control, data acquisition and multi-motor operation. The intuitive software runs on a Windows® laptop computer and features a simple user interface. User defined stimulation profiles are controlled by the software and are readily monitored using graphical displays. Integrated data acquisition routines capture and record data at user prescribed intervals. The GrowthWorks Software is configurable for running four stimulators while simultaneously monitoring up to 16 transducers, allowing the researcher maximum flexibility.

The GrowthWorks Control Hardware features an embedded Intel CPU, integrated data acquisition and integrated motor drives. Communications between the laptop and control hardware is transmitted over a standard network cable. Primary advantages of the TGT Laptop/Controller approach are reduced physical size and easy upgradability. As future Windows versions or higher performance Laptops become available, either can be replaced without any software or controller changes. This ensures the GrowthWorks control system will be an integral part of your research for many years to come.

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