In recent years, 3D culture models have started showing their extensive potential as one of the strategic tools in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to study various aspects of cell physiology and pathology, as well as to manufacture cell-based grafts. Given the crucial role that bioreactors play in establishing a comprehensive level of monitoring and control over specific environmental factors in 3D cultures, we review herein some of the manifold possibilities correlated with bioreactor systems in the transitional pathway between the bench and the bedside. In particular, we will draw the attention to their functions as: 1) 3D culture model systems, enabling to outline specific aspects of the actual in-vivo milieu and, when properly integrated with computational modelling and sensing and control techniques, to address challenging scientific questions; 2) Graft manufacturing devices, implementing bioprocesses so as to support safe, standardized, scaleable, traceable and possibly cost-effective production of grafts for pre-clinical and clinical use.
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