Method of assembling a 3D tissue culturing scaffold
A continuous device for culturing mammalian cells in a three-dimensional structure for the transplantation or implantation in vivo is described. The culturing device comprises (a) a scaffold formed by a matrix of interconnected growth surfaces spaced at regular intervals and (b) a fluid distribution means at the inlet and the exit of the growth areas. The device is particularly useful for culturing bone cells for dental implants or bone reconstruction.
1. A method of assembling a 3D tissue culturing scaffold comprising:
defining a 3D matrix of interconnected growth surfaces of a 3D tissue culture scaffold having regular and repetitive 3D structures defining open spaces along x, y, and z Cartesian axes;
determining the dimensions of the open spaces for an optimized fluid flow distribution throughout the defined scaffold; and
producing the 3D tissue culture scaffold with open spaces for the optimized fluid flow distribution by assembling 2D layers over each other.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determined dimensions of the open spaces for the optimized fluid flow analysis distribution are confirmed by computational analysis software.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting channels of the open spaces to facilitate uniform flow distribution to the growth surfaces.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D structures forming the matrix have at least one of the following shapes: cylindrical shape, rectangular shape, and hexagonal shape.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the interconnected growth surfaces comprise solid cylindrical structures.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the interconnected growth surfaces are textured.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the open spaces fall within the range from 0.7 mm to 3 mm.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the dimensions of the open spaces fall within the range 1 mm to 2 mm.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of producing the 3D tissue culture scaffold includes assembling 2D layers of a biocompatible material.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the biocompatible material includes at least one of the following: polycaprolacton, polyethylene oxide terephthalate, polyamide, poly-L-lactic acid, polyglycolic acid, collagen, fibronectin, and hydroxyapatite.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D tissue culture scaffold comprises a cubic shape.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D tissue culture scaffold comprises an anatomically correct shape.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D tissue culture scaffold comprises an overall cylindrical shape.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the interconnected growth surfaces comprise fibers.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the 3D tissue culture scaffold further comprises a central support.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising configuring the central support to couple to inlet and outlet fluid distribution devices.