Computational Model to Predict Oxygen Availability for Cells Cultured Under Flow Conditions

Tissue bioreactors are flow systems able to support cultured cells over time. Consequently the functionality of these in vivo systems require the cells to be provided with the required substrate, nutrient, and O₂. When a bioreactor is used for liver support, the latter requirement is particularly critical since hepatocyte functionalities are highly dependent on O₂ [1]. So for bioreactor designers, computational models would serve as a powerful tool for predicting O₂ transport dynamics. In the current study, such a model is developed to predict the level of O₂ available to hepatocytes dispersed within a porous collagen substrate, for varying flow conditions. This is carried out by intially verifying the model’s accuracy through experiments conducted using a customized flow device and then extending the model to clarify the sensitivity of O₂ transport through the cellular space with respect to the flow conditions, the cells’ O₂ consumption rates and dissolved O₂ levels in the media.