Abstract: A method is provided for producing a live cartilaginous material useful for implantation into a patient. A method of treating a patient comprising implanting a cartilaginous material prepared according to the provided method in an anatomical site in a patient also is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices that mimic the mammalian joint. The bioreactor device can include a series of bioreactor chambers that contain different components of the joint, such as bone, cartilage, synovium, nerve and ligament. At least two different nutrient fluid circulation systems connect subsets of the bioreactor chambers to differentially supply nutrient fluids at concentrations optimized for the tissue that the fluid nourishes. For example, relatively hypoxic fluid can be supplied to synovium and cartilage to mimic oxygenation in the joint compartment, but normoxic fluid can be supplied to the bone and other components that have an arterial supply that provides higher oxygen concentrations. One or more or all of the bioreactor chambers can be supplied with separate inlets through which perturbation agents (such as drugs or other agents) can be introduced to model the effect of the perturbations on different components of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices that mimic the mammalian joint. The bioreactor device can include a series of bioreactor chambers that contain different components of the joint, such as bone, cartilage, synovium, nerve and ligament. At least two different nutrient fluid circulation systems connect subsets of the bioreactor chambers to differentially supply nutrient fluids at concentrations optimized for the tissue that the fluid nourishes. For example, relatively hypoxic fluid can be supplied to synovium and cartilage to mimic oxygenation in the joint compartment, but normoxic fluid can be supplied to the bone and other components that have an arterial supply that provides higher oxygen concentrations. One or more or all of the bioreactor chambers can be supplied with separate inlets through which perturbation agents (such as drugs or other agents) can be introduced to model the effect of the perturbations on different components of the system.

Abstract: Provided herein is a ligament ECM soluble fraction useful for the growth and regrowth of ligament tissue. Methods of preparation of the soluble fractions and use of the soluble fractions in growth or regrowth of ligament tissue also are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed mechanical stimulator systems can maintain the sterility of biological samples within a multi-well plate while mechanically stimulating the samples. The systems disclosed herein allow for the individual activation by mechanical compression of a high number of samples at the same time, while maintaining sterility of the samples. The well plates, guides, actuations pistons, and other components of the disclosed systems can be configured to be contained in or adjacent to an incubator that can control properties such as gas levels and temperature while at the same time allowing for the mechanical actuation of the biological samples.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a live cartilaginous material useful for implantation into a patient. A method of treating a patient comprising implanting a cartilaginous material prepared according to the provided method in an anatomical site in a patient also is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices that mimic the mammalian joint. The bioreactor device can include a series of bioreactor chambers that contain different components of the joint, such as bone, cartilage, synovium, nerve and ligament. At least two different nutrient fluid circulation systems connect subsets of the bioreactor chambers to differentially supply nutrient fluids at concentrations optimized for the tissue that the fluid nourishes. For example, relatively hypoxic fluid can be supplied to synovium and cartilage to mimic oxygenation in the joint compartment, but normoxic fluid can be supplied to the bone and other components that have an arterial supply that provides higher oxygen concentrations. One or more or all of the bioreactor chambers can be supplied with separate inlets through which perturbation agents (such as drugs or other agents) can be introduced to model the effect of the perturbations on different components of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a bioreactor system having one or more wells with at least one fluidic passageway coupled to each well to feed fluids to biological material being developed inside the well. In some cases, a bioreactor system can include a main body comprising the perimeter of the well and the fluidic passageways, a cover that forms the top of the well and provides optical access into the well, and a base that forms the bottom surface of the well. The cover and base can be attached and detached from the main body to seal the well closed and to physically access the contents of the well.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of fabricating human cell-based engineered musculoskeletal tissues (hCEMTs) using three dimensional fabrication technology that involves injectable materials with in situ polymerization/solidification capability and/or solid free-form fabrication. Also described is the usage of hCEMTs for tissue repair and drug testing.