eCM XI: Multi-axial bioreactor for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering

In the body, the intervertebral disc is a tissue that is regularly exposed to mechanical stresses. While backpain due to intervertebral disc degeneration is a common problem, little is understood about the cells that make up the nucleus pulposus, the gel-like component of the disc. Previous research have shown that fluid flow, hydrostatic pressure, and compressive stresses3contribute to the mechanical changes in the disc. In this poster, we present a multi-axial system that is designed to deliver all these stresses simultaneously.