Figure 1.

MSCs in 3D culture. cPE decreased bone formation by MSCs. (a) Schematic of the bioreactor-based 3D culture system. Cross-section schematic demonstrates cells are embedded in scaffolds. (b) Illustration of the custom-designed 3D bioreactor. The medium flows from both top and bottom inlets. Cells are encapsulated in the GelMA scaffold and cultured in the bioreactor. In one bioreactor, 4 scaffolds are connected in series. (c) Micro-CT analysis showed a reduction of mineralization in the MSC+cPE group compared to the control MSC group. (d) qPCR revealed reduced gene expression of OCN and RUNX2 upon exposure to cPE. (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01).