TISSUE ENGINEERING AND DRUG TESTING

The teaching falls within the integrative characterizing activities of the Master's Degree Course in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies - Biomolecular Chemistry curriculum and [CM12] SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF BIO AND NANOMATERIALS-Master's Degree (DM270) share course. In particular, it covers the fundamental knowledge of tissue engineering and its applications in the biomedical field, specifically in regenerative medicine and pharmacology.
The educational objectives of the course are as follows:
1. To provide a foundational understanding of natural materials such as cell lines, biomacromolecules, and synthetic materials like biopolymers, which are essential for creating engineered tissues.
2. To introduce students to various techniques and technologies used in the development of biomaterials.
3. To familiarize students with tissue models employed in drug screening and the development of pharmaceutical products.
The acquired knowledge equips students with the necessary skills to establish a solid scientific foundation, particularly in the realm of fundamental technologies required for developing pharmaceutical and medical products aimed at repairing or replacing damaged tissues.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
• Understand the fundamental terminology associated with tissue engineering and comprehend specialized texts within the relevant field.
• Acquire knowledge about the various applications of tissue engineering, the biomaterials involved, the strategies employed for creating bioengineered tissues, and the essential techniques and biomaterials utilized.
• Familiarize oneself with the study models derived from tissue engineering used in pharmacology.
2. Application of Knowledge and Understanding
• Demonstrate the ability to accurately use terminology in all processes related to the application and communication of acquired knowledge.
• Differentiate between the distinct characteristics of biomaterials and analyze their properties in relation to their intended purposes. Justify the methods for producing different biomaterials and provide rationales for selecting specific techniques based on the chemical, physical, biological, and intended use characteristics of the bioengineered tissue being developed.
• Evaluate biomaterials concerning their applications in the pharmaceutical field, such as drug delivery and drug screening. Be capable of justifying the selection of biomaterials based on their chemical, physical, and biomimetic attributes.
3. Judgment Skills
• Cultivate critical thinking and judgment when assessing innovative findings and breakthroughs in the field of tissue engineering. Formulate and substantiate simple hypotheses, while also adopting a critical perspective when evaluating alternative hypotheses.
4. Communication Skills
• Communicate effectively using the appropriate terminology within the realm of tissue engineering.
• Engage in constructive and respectful discussions with peers and instructors during class sessions to foster the development of a scientific culture within the relevant field.
5. Learning Skills
• Develop the capacity to supplement lecture materials with personal notes, articles, and reference texts to enhance understanding and knowledge acquisition.

It is recommended to have a background in molecular and cellular biology.

Introduction to tissue engineering. Historical background and overview of current and future applications of the technique.
Outline of the molecular biology of the cell.
Notes on cell and extracellular matrix interaction: organisation of a tissue and implications in tissue engineering.
Biomaterials in tissue engineering. Overview of the extracellular matrix (ECM): biological significance, characteristics and composition. ECM-mimetic biomaterials: classification, characteristics and functions.
Cell lines used for the production of engineered tissues. Cell lines used, classification, isolation and culture techniques. Focus on stem cells, origin, classification, cell reprogramming techniques and use in tissue engineering.
In vitro engineered tissue production: overview, examples and applications. Bioreactors: definition, classification, techniques. Growth factors: bioligical function, classification of the most important GFs in tissue engineering, strategies for incorporating GFs into ECM-mimetic biomaterials.
In vivo synthesis of tissues and organs. Principles, strategies, characterisation of implant-tissue interactions, biocompatibility, examples.
Regeneration and replacement of engineered tissues. Role of the immune system and immune reactions involved in the implantation of non-degradable polymer-based engineered tissues. In vitro models for the study of immune response and development of strategies for the design of non-immunogenic biomaterials. Post-transplantation tumorigenesis: overviw, risk factors, causes and possible solutions.
Regulatory and ethical issues associated with tissue engineering.
Emerging technologies. Overview of the main technologies for the production of engineered tissues: electrospinning and 3D bioprinting. Examples of biopolymers used. 3D cell cultures: spheroids and organoids, techniques and applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
Organ-on-chip: overview, classification, microfluidic models. Applications in pharmaceutical, medical and personalised medicine research.
Engineered tissues in the pharmaceutical field. Overview with focus on drug delivery and drug screening. Models and biomaterials used.

Principles of Tissue Engineering
Editors: Robert Lanza, Robert Langer, Joseph P. Vacanti, Anthony Atala

Essential cell biology : an introduction to the molecular biology of the cell
Editors: Bruce Alberts et al.

The assessment of learning is done through an oral examination. Proficiency in presenting the course objectives will be evaluated. In particular, knowledge related to tissue organization, their bioengineering, and use will be assessed. The use of books, notes, and electronic aids is not allowed during the oral examination.

The teaching is organized into:
• frontal lectures where course contents will be presented through slide projections.
• reciprocal questions between the teacher and students for learning verification and the application of the topics discussed.

English

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development