In tissue engineering, flow perfusion bioreactors can be used to enhance nutrient diffusion while mechanically stimulating cells to increase matrix production. The goal of this study was to design and validate a dynamic flow perfusion bioreactor for use with compliant scaffolds. Using a non-permanent staining technique, scaffold perfusion was verified for flow rates of 0.1-2.0 mL/min. Flow analysis revealed that steady, pulsatile and oscillatory flow profiles were effectively transferred from the pump to the scaffold. Compared to static culture, bioreactor culture of osteoblast-seeded collagen-GAG scaffolds led to a 27-34% decrease in cell number but stimulated an 800-1200% increase in the production of prostaglandin E(2), an early-stage bone formation marker. This validated flow perfusion bioreactor provides the basis for optimisation of bioreactor culture in tissue engineering applications.