Branched channel scaffolds fabricated by SFF for direct cell growth observations

A β-TCP scaffold with a branched channel system was designed to create a novel micro-device that allowed culture perfusion and direct time observation of the cells attached. The scaffold was made by indirect solid free form fabrication (SFF) technology. The flow channel structure was exposed so that the perfusion of the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culture could be viewed directly. The cell-seeded scaffolds were continuously perfused for 7 days in the micro-device; during this time, it was possible to observe the dynamic culture processes with cells adhering to the scaffolds and real time cell growth directly. This concept has great potential for use in bone tissue engineering and for versatile fabrication of enhanced scaffolds.