Perfusion Culture for 3D Tissue and Organ Engineering

Abstract

Recent advances in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have accelerated interest in the development of vascularized three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. In particular, for thick tissues, vascular network formation and perfusion culture are essential to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient supply. Perfusion culture not only enhances mass transport through continuous medium circulation but also promotes the maturation of vascular endothelial cells via fluid shear stress. In recent years, integration with microfluidic devices, 3D bioprinting, organoid technologies, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has enabled the construction of increasingly sophisticated vascularized tissues. Furthermore, the combination of artificial intelligence (AI), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, and Body-on-a-chip technologies is expected to expand applications in drug discovery and personalized medicine. This review summarizes recent advances in perfusion-based vascularized 3D tissue engineering technologies.