Bioreactors for Advanced Cell Culture, (Nano)toxicity, Regenerative Medicine and Organ Bioengineering—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

From the micro- to the macroscale, bioreactors are widely used for advanced cell culture. They can be used as tools for regenerative medicine and for generating physiologically relevant in vitro models. Thus, they can be used as animal model alternatives in drug testing, toxicology applications and, more in general, to investigate the interaction of different substances, nanomaterials and pathogens with the human body and immune cells. For these applications, biological interfaces such as lung, intestine, skin and blood vessels, as well as vital organs (liver, heart, brain and kidney) and structural/functional tissues (bone, cartilage, muscles), are of particular interest.

Combining engineering and biology, bioreactors are able to replicate key features of organ and tissues and to provide the cells with dynamic stimuli such as flow or mechanical and electrical cues. Current challenges relate to the integration of sensing for real-time monitoring of cell conditions and with the definition of novel actuation strategies to imitate physiological deformation mechanism. Other fundamental innovations regard the combination of bioreactor and biomaterials to mimic tissue and organ 3D architectures and mechanical properties, which are typically time-dependent (viscoelastic) and may evolve during time according to pathophysiological processes.

From this perspective, this Special Issue on ‘Bioreactors for Advanced Cell Culture, (Nano)toxicity, Regenerative Medicine and Organ Bioengineering’ will collect innovative research articles and targeted reviews which deal with novel and bold applications and with new solutions for improving bioreactor technology. For instance, applications may be related to different areas of regenerative medicine and to nanomaterial toxicology from a molecular and mechanistic perspective. Innovative solutions may include the use of non- (or low-)invasive actuation and sensing strategies based on smart materials or systems or the integration of in silico strategies able to improve the relevance of the experimental conditions or result translation.

Dr. Ludovica Cacopardo
Guest Editor

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