Principles and design of a novel magnetic force mechanical conditioning bioreactor for tissue engineering, stem cell conditioning, and dynamic in vitro screening.

Mechanical conditioning of cells and tissue constructs in bioreactors is an important factor in determining the properties of tissue being produced. Mechanical conditioning within a bioreactor environment, however, has proven difficult. This paper presents the theoretical basis, design, and initial results of a mechanical conditioning system for cell and tissue culture which is based on biocompatible magnetic micro- and nanoparticles acting as a remote stress mechanism without invasion of the sterile bioreactor environment.