The GrowthApps modules are designed to run in conjunction with the GrowthWorks® Software & Control System. GrowthWorks takes care of running the bioreactor system and collecting the transducer data throughout the experiment. The GrowthApps provide additional analysis capabilities and can oversee a particular aspect of the experiment. They also have the ability to direct or adapt the stimulation profile that is being performed by GrowthWorks.
The addition of the Stiffness Measurement & Analysis (SMA) GrowthApp enables the system to make real-time measurements of the sample stiffness during culture. Described in U.S. Patent 7,410,792 B2 Instrumented bioreactor with material property measurement capability and process-based adjustment for conditioning tissue engineered medical products, the application measures the mechanical response of the tissue construct as it is being stimulated and conditioned. The stiffness measurements can then be used as guidelines for bench marking progress during culturing or for modifying the stimulation profile. Based upon the measured response, the bioreactor system is then capable of altering the stimulation profile. This technology enables researchers to automatically culture the bioprosthesis from initial seeding to an implantation-ready state with minimal operator intervention. For more information about the SMA Application, please click here.
The Stimulation Waveform Generation (SWG) GrowthApp enables the user to import a set of data points, graph, image or hand-drawn waveform into GrowthWorks to create a fully customized waveform that can be used for function generation. Once the data points are imported, the application can be used to adjust the waveform's mean value, span and start and stop levels. A graph of the waveform can be displayed to allow the user to assess the waveform's shape, amplitude and frequency. This technology allows the user to create an infinite number of waveforms to optimize the mechanical stimulation regime and evaluate cell and tissue response to specific waveform components. For more information about the SWG Application, please click here.
The Mid Position Control (MPC) feature in GrowthWorks monitors the 6Vr stimulator piston position and subsequently modulates the peristaltic pump mean flow rate to maintain the desired mean pressure in the flow loop.
