Prototyping a device to administer a desired medium perfusion flow to 3D cell cultures

Traditional 2D cell culture, well-regarded for its reproducibility and cost-efficiency, serves a multitude of scientific purposes, spanning physiological investigations, disease-related studies, and pre-clinical drug screening. However, it falls short in replicating the complex 3D microenvironment found in living tissues, with cells growing on flat surfaces like glass or standard plastic, lacking the biomechanical intricacies of biological tissues. To address these limitations, researchers are exploring diverse methodologies and biomaterials for 3D cell culture models, introducing critical factors like cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions that influence cell survival, proliferation, and migration, closely resembling physiological conditions. Transitioning to 3D culture presents challenges, including uneven nutrient diffusion. Perfusion bioreactor systems are emerging solutions, enhancing nutrient and oxygen transport in the 3D scaffold. This research integrates 3D cell culture with perfusion to gain deeper insights into these complex cellular processes. The endpoints of following studies will include cellular behavior in a perfused 3D culture system, using MC3T3 cells derived from mouse calvaria, assessing viability, distribution, morphology, molecular phenotype, and osteogenic potential.