Development of a Low-Cost Bioreactor for Mechanical Stimulation of Vascular Scaffolds within a CO2 Incubator Environment

The presented project introduces an affordable, modular bioreactor (v0.1) developed for the dynamic mechanical stimulation of bio-printed vascular scaffolds within a CO2 incubator environment. The device is designed to simulate physiological pulsatile loading through cyclic expansion and contraction of the vessel, facilitating cellular maturation. The assembly is constructed from corrosion-resistant PETG and stainless steel to ensure durability in high-humidity conditions, while the working chamber is made of biocompatible polypropylene. The mechanical drive utilizes NEMA17 stepper motors equipped with specialized heat sinks to prevent overheating in the confined incubator space. To maintain the integrity of the incubator’s controlled atmosphere, the system employs an external Arduino-based controller running Marlin firmware, connected via ultra-thin ribbon cables that pass through the door seals without compromising airtightness. The internal mechanics feature a trapezoidal lead screw and a robust frame secured with screw fasteners and T-nuts. A comprehensive, high-fidelity assembly model is provided in .blend and .max formats to facilitate replication and further modification. It should be noted that in the provided demonstration video, the vessel fittings are not fully calibrated, resulting in minor scaffold bending; however, the design includes a dual-axis horizontal adjustment mechanism to ensure symmetrical pressure distribution and uniform radial expansion. At this stage, the project is in its initial phase, and future updates will provide comprehensive biological test results and detailed technical documentation.