Bioreactors

In this chapter, we discuss the role of bioreactors in tissue engineering from basic research to automated tissue manufacturing. In particular, we highlight their functions as (1) enabling tools for tissue engineers, overcoming the limitations of conventional manual cell/tissue culture techniques, and for improving the quality of engineered tissues; (2) three-dimensional in vitro model systems, to recapitulate the specific aspects of the in vivo milieu and to address challenging scientific questions; (3) tissue manufacturing devices, implementing bioprocesses so as to support regulatory compliant and cost-effective manufacturing of grafts for clinical use.