Additive‐Manufactured, Multifunctional Bioreactor Technology for Dynamic Culture of 3D Bioprinted Tissue Models

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Authors: Lys Sprenger, Johann Schorzmann, Hsuan‐Heng Lu, Muhammad Osama, Julian Bauer, Michael Haug, Oliver Friedrich, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Frank Döpper, Sahar Salehi
Cited by: 1
References: 58

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bioreactors in biofabrication and tissue engineering enable dynamic cell and tissue culture under controlled conditions while applying external stimuli such as mechanical or electrical signals. Together, these features mimic the in vivo environment and support functional tissue formation for implantation or model systems. Most current bioreactors focus on medium perfusion and mechanical or electrical stimulation, but often lack real‐time monitoring, which is essential for quality control. To address this gap, this work presents an additively manufactured bioreactor that integrates dynamic perfusion, electrical stimulation, and in‐line microscopy and sensor monitoring for culturing 3D‐bioprinted constructs. Three bioinks containing C2C12 myoblasts were 3D‐printed and cultured in the system, with continuous tracking of pH and temperature and comparison to static controls. Laminar perfusion improved cell viability and spreading in GelMA and ADA‐GEL bioinks, with faster myoblast alignment observed in ADA‐GEL after 3 days. Platinum‐coated copper electrodes embedded in the design produced electric fields of at least 10 V·cm − 1 . As a proof of principle, isolated murine interossei plantares myofibers were placed in the chamber and electrically stimulated to induce twitching. Overall, this bioreactor demonstrates strong potential as a platform for real‐time tissue monitoring and studying customized stimuli during tissue development.

Fields of Study & Subjects

3D Printing in Biomedical Research Neuroscience and Neural Engineering Pluripotent Stem Cells Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials Technologies
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
11
Issue
17
Publication date
14 April 2026
Language
EN