New bioreactors systems for pharmacological screening

Abstract

Bioreactors, biotechnological devices for in vitro cell cultures with dynamic conditions, have the potential to provide information on local cell behavior and function. The development of bioreactors could lead to a multitude of applications from drug testing and development, tissue engineering and basic research to the identification of new and alternative therapies for many disorders. High quality, reliable, in vitro data also provide a shift in focus from large scale animal testing to the analysis of specific and local cell responses in controlled environments. In order to reduce, in the future, use of animals in drug testing for different reasons (economic, ethical and scientific), aim of this work is the development of these new biotechnological tools, the bioreactors. These technogical supports for research, designed at the Interdepartmental Research Centre "E. Piaggio" (University of Pisa) and tested at CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology (Pisa), are composed of: a main cell culture chamber, where cells, directly or by use of a support, are seeded; a mixing chamber for gas exchange and for pH and temperature measurement; an electronic and software control system for control and setting of experimental conditions. In three years of work, our attention was focused on optimization of cell life conditions and recreation of a physiological cell environment. In accordance with these guidelines, we have designed and realized different types of bioreactors to approach and simulate different biological conditions and, also, to elucidate, in a manner much more consistent, the basic working mechanisms of cells. We have customized our bioreactors in order to reproduce physical stimuli (Laminar Flow Bioreactor), chemical stimuli (Array Bioreactor) and metabolic conditions (Multi-Compartmental Bioreactor). For each bioreactor, we have observed their good functionality and the possibility to recreate the physical, chemical and biological environment for which they are designed