CTOE WkSp1

Course Overview

• Topic: Cell and Tissue Engineering

• Course Code: BE 427/527 - Spring, 2025

• Workshop Focus: Exploration of key areas in cell and tissue engineering.

Key Components of Cell and Tissue Engineering

Quantitative Cell and Tissue Biology

• Basic biology principles involved in cell and tissue dynamics.

Cell and Tissue Characterization

• Basics of culture and characterization techniques.

• Genomic Analysis: Studying genetic information to understand cell function.

• Gene Transfer: Methods for transferring genetic material into cells.

Engineering Methods and Design

• Cell Separation and Cultivation: Techniques for isolating and growing cells.

• Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering: Materials used for scaffolding and supporting cell growth.

Organization Overview

• Materials: Structure, properties, and functions of biomaterials in engineering.

• Biological Materials: Usage in the development of tissue substitutes.

• Gene Therapy & Genetic Engineering: Applications for disease treatment.

Tissue Engineering Defined

• A multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary field applying biology and engineering to create tissue substitutes that enhance or restore function of damaged human tissues.

Goals of Tissue Engineering

• Stimulation of cells to mimic normal cell/tissue environment for repair or regeneration.

• Delivery of live elements integrated into the patient for constructing physiologically functioning tissue.

Approaches in Tissue Engineering

• Guided Tissue Regeneration: Utilizing engineered matrices.

• Cell Injection: Using auto-, allo-, or xenogenic cells.

• Matrix Integration: Cells placed on or within specially designed matrices.

Tissue Engineering Basics

• Combination of:

  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP)

  • Cytokines

  • Scaffold + Cells + Growth Factors leads to viable tissue formation.

The Tissue Engineering Process

• Insights from Vacanti JP, Langer R on tissue engineering development and requirements.

Critical Issues in Tissue Engineering

• Development must meet clinical, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing standards:

  • Cell procurement and expansion

  • Biocompatible scaffold development

  • Addressing immunological challenges

  • Bioreactor design for production efficiency

Conceptual Details

Key Concepts

• Scaffold Design: Material properties, design specifics, and processing methods.

• Cell Types: Various cells used and their methods of communication.

• Growth Factors: Importance of chemical signals in tissue development.

Challenges Facing Tissue Engineering

1. Matrix Composition: Understanding materials used.

2. Cell Selection: Identifying the best cell types for applications.

3. In Vitro Development: Facilitating growth in laboratory settings.

4. Functional Integration: Ensuring constructed tissues integrate well.

Critical Issues in Scaffold Development

Material Aspects

• Types of Materials: Polymers, ceramics selection.

• Surface Chemistry and Structure: Impact on cell interaction.

• Degradation and Mechanical Properties: Influence on functionality.

Practical Matrix Considerations

• Biodegradation: Mechanism and byproducts of scaffold breakdown.

• Porosity and Micro-architecture: Effects on nutrient flow and cell behavior.

• Bioactivity and Mechanical Properties: Ensuring proper function and support.

• Vascularization Needs: Importance of blood vessel integration.

• Commercial Viability: Considerations for marketability.

Mesengenic Process

• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs):

  • Potential to differentiate into various tissues: bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle, fat.

  • Commitment and Lineage Progression: Defined stages leading to specific cell types.

  • Maturation of Cells: Function in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Techniques in Ceramic Tissue Engineering

• Ceramic Cube Assay: Testing MSCs in calcium phosphate ceramics for tissue growth.

• MSCs in Research: Understanding their role in subcutaneous environments for bone/cartilage repair.

Tissue Regeneration Therapy

• Harvesting and Culturing MSCs: Processes used for maximal therapeutic benefit.

• Focus on normal bone homeostasis and tissue regeneration.

Bioreactors in Tissue Engineering

• Role of bioreactors in creating optimal growth conditions for tissue engineering applications.

Human Body Organ Systems

• Overview of organ systems: Structure and function of each system involved.

  • Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Musculoskeletal: Key organs outlined and their functions stated.

Critical Questions in Tissue Engineering

• Development of non-invasive assessment techniques for biological performance.

• Availability of materials for structured cell guidance and function.

• Establishing cell/tissue models.

• Understanding cell communication for 3-D tissue integration.

• Balancing cell proliferation and differentiation in engineered tissues.

• Growing thicker tissues.

• Improving integration of engineered tissue in the body.

Predicted Developments Timeline

• 2008-2025: Various advancements in tissue engineering, from simple skin and bone applications to complex organ patches.

Multidisciplinary Nature of Cell and Tissue Engineering

• The field requires integration of various disciplines:

  • Clinical, Robotics, Computational Biology, Chemical Engineering, Genomics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Materials Science.

Enabling Factors for Development

• Importance of education and regulatory support for early FDA approvals.

• Innovative science and engineering practices for creating advanced tissue constructs.