Additively Manufactured Bioreactors for Scaffold-Coupled Electrical Stimulation

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Authors: Mone’t Sawyer, Hailey Burgoyne, Enrique Lopez, Flyn White, Olivia O. Maryon, Allyssa Bateman, Miranda L. Nelson, Michael Eppel, Olivia Nielson, Raquel Montenegro-Brown, Josh Eixenberger, Brian J. Jaques
+2 more Mike Hurley, David Estrada
Cited by: 2
References: 59

Abstract

platforms often lack precision, scalability, and compatibility with 3D bioscaffolds. We present a modular bioreactor system that delivers low-voltage, bioscaffold-coupled ES via conductive graphene foam, enabling real-time waveform monitoring and live cell imaging. Components were fabricated using low-cost stereolithography with BioMed Clear resin and validated through mechanical, chemical, and cytocompatibility analyses. Printed parts exhibited high dimensional accuracy, retained mechanical integrity post-sterilization, and supported >90% cell viability. Electrical measurements confirmed ohmic behavior and signal fidelity under physiological conditions. Calcium imaging revealed a >230% fluorescence increase during stimulation, indicating a robust cellular response. This platform provides a reproducible, accessible tool for probing ES-driven behavior in electroactive 3D microenvironments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neuroscience and Neural Engineering Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Applied Bio Materials
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
739–750
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN