Application of semi-permeable membrane for a scaffold in a nature-mimicking vascular system

To address clogging issue in conventional scaffolds, a novel 3D architecture of semi-permeable membrane was recently proposed by the authors’ research group. It was designed to have two distinct sub-volumes, which serve independently for cell culture and perfusion. Mass transfer was implemented through the interfacial smooth-curved semi-permeable membrane between the two volumes. Here, as a continuation of that study, the fabrication process of this novel scaffold was further improved to achieve higher ductility and quality with minimum imperfections. In addition, a novel small-scale bioreactor system integrated with the novel scaffold and closed-loop circulation was developed to allow in-situ monitoring of cell culture around the scaffold under a microscope. Despite the high porosity of over 90%, the mechanical properties of this scaffold met the requirements for the bone and cartilage, and its microstructure and substance were suitable for bone cell proliferation. With the fluid medium circulating in a bioreactor system, the semi-permeable membrane of this scaffold allowed the steady-state permeate fluxes of water and DMEM between the two sub-volumes. [Display omitted] •A 3D architecture of semi-permeable membrane was developed to address clogging problem.•It has two sub-volumes intertwined & separated by the smooth-curved permeable membrane.•Despite high porosity of over 90%, it has sufficient strength and stiffness for bone and cartilage.•A bioreactor with the scaffold is proposed to allow in-situ monitoring under a microscope.