Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The main approach of in-vitro bone engineering is based on the use of stem cells cultured in microporous scaffolds. In order to quickly and non-destructively assess the different steps of bone formation, we have proposed the use of a permittivity-responsive sensor to monitor the microporous scaffold, which in this instance acts as a biointerface. The aim of this study is to monitor and characterize the growth and differentiation of cells in the microporous biointerface through CP measurements. Measurements are performed throughout the entire process of the cells' culture, growth and differentiation using a dielectric probe and a vector network analyser under sterile conditions. This concept of a permittivity-responsive biointerface will lead to sensitive biosensors especially adapted for use in tissue engineering.