Biological tissue growth in a double-scaffold configuration

Numerical simulations and computer-graphics animation can be used as useful tools to discern the physicochemical environmental factors affecting the surface kinetics of growing biological tissues as well as their relative importance in determining growth. A mathematical formalism for such kinetics is proposed through parametric investigation and validated through focused comparison with experimental results. The study relies on the application of a CFD moving boundary (Volume of Fluid) method specially conceived for the simulation
of these problems. In the second part of the analysis the case of two samples hydrodynamically interacting in a rotating bioreactor is considered. The interplay between two specimens in a tandem arrangement is investigated in terms of the shear stress environment that occurs around the trailing scaffold due to the fluid-dynamic wake released by the leading one and in terms of the consequent construct morphological evolution.