Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a tissue construct having a composite structure. The method includes providing a biodegradable substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to allow deposition or growth of a plurality of cells; providing a vascularized layer comprising a plurality of blood vessels therein; and adhering the vascularized layer to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioreactor and methods for tissue cultivation. A bioreactor module comprises a container, a holder adapted to hold a scaffold containing an inherent vascular network, an inlet connectable to a vessel of the inherent vascular network, an inflatable device disposed within the container, and a pair of electrodes attached to opposing walls of the container, wherein the holder is removably receivable in the container and the inflatable device has a conduit extending through a wall of the container. An alternative embodiment provides an in-vitro method for tissue cultivation, comprising seeding an interior and an exterior of a vessel of an inherent vascular network of a scaffold with a first and a second cell type, respectively, and perfusing through the inherent vascular network with culture medium to facilitate compartmentalized co-cultivation of the first and the second cell type in different niches of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a tissue construct having a composite structure. The method includes providing a biodegradable substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to allow deposition or growth of a plurality of cells; providing a vascularized layer comprising a plurality of blood vessels therein; and adhering the vascularized layer to the substrate.