A newly developed technique for enhanced cell growth in 3D scaffolds:
Investigation of cell seeding and proliferation under static and dynamic
conditions
Abstract
Cell adhesion on 3D-scaffolds is a challenging task to succeed high cell
densities and even cell distribution. We aimed to design a static
3D-cell Culture Device which limits cell loss, facilitates circulation
of fluids and can be used with any scaffold. 3D printing technology was
used for both scaffold and device fabrication. Apart from testing the
device, the purpose of this study was to assess and compare static and
dynamic methods and their effects on parameters such as cell seeding
efficiency, cell distribution and cell proliferation in different
culture conditions. Human adipose tissue was harvested and cultured in
3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds. Half the scaffolds were dry and
the rest of them were prewetted. Micro-CT scans were performed and
projection images were reconstructed into cross section images. We
created 3D images to visualize cell distribution and orientation inside
the scaffolds. The group of prewetted scaffols was the most favorable to
cell attachement. The 3D-cell Culture Device (3D-CD) enhanced cell
seeding efficiency in static culture, with almost no cell loss. We
suggest that the most favorable outcome can be produced with static
seeding in the device for 24 hours, followed by proliferation either in
the same device or with dynamic culture.