Computational Modeling of Mass Transport and Its Relation to Cell Behavior in Tissue Engineering Constructs - Computational Modeling in Tissue Engineering - page 81

Computational Modeling of Mass
Transport and Its Relation to Cell
Behavior in Tissue Engineering
Constructs

Dennis Lambrechts, Jan Schrooten, Tom Van de Putte
and Hans Van Oosterwyck

Abstract Effective recapitulation of extracellular matrix properties into a Tissue
Engineering strategy is strongly involved with the need for a proper transport
environment. Consumption and production of soluble medium components gives
rise to gradients which influence cell behavior in various ways. Understanding how
transport related phenomena can shape these gradients is targeted in this chapter
by the combined use of experiments and mathematical modeling. An overview of
different models is given that describe solute transport and its relation to specific
cell behavior. From the simulation results important information can be extracted
which help to unravel mechanisms that drive solute transport. Finally we describe
the genuine efforts that have been taken to translate this information into real tissue
engineering setups (e.g., optimization of culture conditions and controlled-release
of growth factors).

D. Lambrechts ( ) J. Schrooten

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg
44-box 2450, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
e-mail: [e-mail]
D. Lambrechts J. Schrooten H. Van Oosterwyck
Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat
49-box 813, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
T. Van de Putte
TiGenix NV, Haasrode Researchpark 1724, Romeinse straat
12 box 2, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
H. Van Oosterwyck
Biomechanics Section, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300C-box 2419,
3001 Leuven, Belgium

&