Our design solution is a dual-compartment cell culture system in the form of a two-chamber bioreactor, where the two chambers serve as polarizing media reservoirs that are connected by a transparent tube that hosts the growth plate explant inside it for facilitated imaging. The two media reservoirs are able to induce polarization of the growth plate by creating a dual-compartment culture system that exposes the opposite ends of the growth plate to different induction regimens. This allows the bioreactor to mimic the dynamic gradient of the natural microenvironment of the growth plate in the bone with the aid of chondrogenic and hypertrophic growth factors. Additionally, the transparent connection tube that hosts the growth plate offers means for constant or periodical live fluorescence imaging of the stained growth plate sample while still enclosed in the bioreactor environment, eliminating tissue handling and the high potential for contamination.

Preliminary reactor assembly (left) with reservoirs, polycarbonate cross-tubing and silicone tubing. A prototype of the mounting plate (right) was also 3D-printed for a single bioreactor unit.

Testing shows :

• No leakage

• Image clarity

• Fits within the working distance of the microscope