Exploring the interplay between nutrient consumption, scaffold elasticity, and tissue development within a tissue engineering scaffold channel

Examining the interplay of various factors on tissue growth within a tissue-engineering scaffold channel is crucial for optimizing cell proliferation. In this work, we present a novel mathematical model, which delves into the combined effects of nutrient flow rate, nutrient consumption, scaffold elasticity, and cell properties. Subsequently, the model is solved and employed to simulate the cell proliferation process. The ultimate aim is to optimize the initial configuration of scaffold channels to maximize cell growth. Our findings reveal that the rate of nutrient consumption by cells, referred to as the cell hunger rate, significantly impacts tissue growth, resulting in longer incubation periods for higher cell hunger rates. Additionally, the compliance of the scaffold material slightly affects overall growth. Notably, by reducing scaffold elasticity while maintaining a constant nutrient consumption rate, an optimal funnel-shaped channel geometry emerges. This geometry, with a larger upper part compared to the narrower channel downstream, promotes improved tissue integration and functionality.