Cardiovascular bioreactors as medical products for the production of bioartificial arteries and heart valves.

Prof. Dr. Augustinus Bader, Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Biotechnological Centre (BBZ), Leipzig, Email Augustinus. Bader@bbz.uni-leipzig.de)

The development of a suitable cell-reactor prototype, which is to be produced commercially in the future, was successful. The bioreactor can be used for the cultivation and transport of tissue-engineered vessels and heart valves. Extensive biological tests during various stages contributed to finalisation of the prototype. Direct application in an incubator is possible. The bioreactor's functionality is fully compliant with the latest therapeutic concepts in tissue engineering. A pulsatile medium-flow with physiological streaming and pumping characteristics with simultaneous on-line monitoring of the temperature and pressure ratios was implemented to differentiate the cells and maintain tissue function. This cell-reactor is composed of modules and available as a complete unit in connection with a newly designed pumping system.