Multiphysics Computational Modeling in Cartilage Tissue Engineering - Computational Modeling in Tissue Engineering - page 273

during culture. We acquired fluorescence images at specific time points on live
specimens, and we developed procedures to estimate the cell number and the
biomass volume fraction non-destructively during culture. We are currently
developing methods to compare these experimental observations to the compu-
tational predictions (Fig. 9 ), in the aim to approach a validation procedure for our
more advanced multiphysics models of cartilage tissue engineering.

9 Conclusion

In conclusion, the field of multiphysics computational modeling in cartilage tissue
engineering is progressing rapidly. Here, we have reviewed several computational
tools already available. Possible directions to improve these tools require to
properly address the fundamental processes that induce growth of engineered
tissue on scaffolds, i.e. cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and biosynthesis.
This would open new avenues for engineering design using validated predictive
tools in the field of tissue engineering.

Acknowledgments This research is funded by Politecnico di Milano, under grant 5 per Mille
Junior 2009 CUPD41J10000490001 ''Computational Models for Heterogeneous Media. Appli-
cation to Micro Scale Analysis of Tissue-engineered Constructs'', by the Italian Institute of
Technology (IIT-Genoa), under grant ''Biosensors and Artificial Bio-systems'', and by the
Cariplo Foundation (Milano), under grant 2010 ''3D Micro structuring and Functionalisation of
Polymeric Materials for Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine''.

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