Tell us about Tissue Growth Technologies. How long have you been building bioreactor systems?
We were originally founded in 1990 as EnduraTEC Systems Corporation, with the charter of developing new innovative material testing systems. In 2004 we sold our Material Testing product lines to the Bose Corporation. This enabled us to focus on the Tissue Growth Market and we renamed ourselves Tissue Growth Technologies at that time. Our first vascular stimulation system was built in 2000 and we continue to work with researchers on tissue growth applications applying the systems know-how we developed over the last 17 years.
Do you have the expertise to help us develop our growth protocols?
We have biologists on staff with extensive monolayer and 3-D tissue culture experience, using both immortalized cell lines as well as primary cells (including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)) for connective tissue growth applications. In addition to tissue growth expertise, we also staff full-time designers that can adapt our systems for your particular needs.
Can your chambers be autoclaved?
The chambers are machined and built from materials that are designed to be steam sterilized at 121 ºC and 17-20 psi. The stimulators and motors are designed to be cleaned via an ethanol wipedown.
How many samples can you stimulate at once?
We currently have systems that will condition six chambers simultaneously. We also offer chambers that can accommodate 4 samples each. We are designing and validating systems that can culture and stimulate up to 24 samples per system simultaneously. Additionally, we can further adapt our stimulators and chambers to provide increased sample capability by automating the placement of chambers within the stimulator.
Is the GrowthWorks Software easy to use?
GrowthWorks was designed exclusively for Tissue Growth applications. The single screen design has minimal buttons and is very intuitive. Despite the user-friendliness of the software it is still very powerful, providing advanced profile generation, data acquisition, multi-stimulator control and expansion capability.
What do you mean by modular design?
The system and chamber designs are modular meaning that they are adaptable to different purposes and assembled from a common set of components. For instance, all the stimulators use the same GrowthWorks software and control hardware. The stimulators all use the same motor assembly. The bioreactor chambers also use many of the same parts making them more reliable and less costly.
What do you mean by scalability?
The controls, stimulators and controls can be configured for conditioning larger sample lots. For example, a six station stimulator can accommodate chambers with 4 samples each for a total of 24. Additionally, GrowthWorks is configurable to drive other motion axes enabling us to build stimulation workcells where the stimulator can be moved from chamber to chamber. This provides almost unlimited possibilities for sample lot size.
Can your bioreactor chambers be integrated into systems using other stimulators or components?
Our modular designs allow you to use individual components, such as bioreactor chambers, with pre-existing equipment that you may already have. We can provide adapters for such systems as needed.
I believe that your instrument would work well with my tissue research application but I would like to evaluate it before purchasing. Do you have an evaluation program available?
We have a program which allows you to evaluate the unit for a number of months prior to purchasing it. Please contact a Tissue Growth Technologies representative for more information.
What is your service policy?
Our systems are provided with a full two year warranty. The motors feature a flexure bearing that is designed for reliability as well as precision. The control electronics are built from subsystems that have been proven in thousands of applications.
What if I need assitance after-hours?
TGT offers 24 hour technical support. Call 952-933-1179 to speak to a TGT engineer.
