Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Tissue Engineering Lab
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Write to mamateos@uic.es
Introduction
The combination of biological materials (biomolecules and cells) and biomaterials (synthetic or natural) in the field of bioengineering has proved to be an effective tool for the regeneration and / or functional repair of tissues. Therefore, the design and manufacture of biomaterials and their characterization, both physical and biological, are very important when obtaining certain properties necessary for their application in order to favor these regenerative processes and therefore restore the functionality of the tissue.
Pre-course requirements
It is recommended that the student has successfully completed the course of Tissue Engineering (3rd year, 1st semester).
Objectives
• To know cell culture techniques
• To manufacture 3D scaffolding based on extracellular matrix
• To characterize (physically-chemically and biologically) the properties of these scaffolds
• To graph and analyze the results
• To explain and discuss the differnt topics and results
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Describe aspects related to bioengineering based on subject-specific books together with scientific publications at the forefront of knowledge.
- CN02 - Associate the assessments and implantable materials with the variability in the expression of diseases and biological differences between sexes.
- CN06 - Define the fundamental principles of the technologies used in the design and manufacture of micro- and nanosensors in biotechnology areas.
- CP04 - Produce fixed and removable structures in medical device applications.
- CP08 - Apply biotechnological methodologies and tools for research, development and production of products and services.
- HB01 - Convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- HB05 - Integrate a third language, usually English, in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment, with an adequate oral and written level and applying the terminology of bioengineering
- HB15 - Identify how bioengineering issues affect the specific needs or characteristics of men and women, in biological, social and cultural aspects, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights as well as the values of a culture of peace and democratic values that include the promotion of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotyped language.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Describe the different cell types and their culture on substrates for tissue regeneration.
• Define the basic principles of tissue engineering and the combination of biologically active molecules, cells, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
• Apply techniques for culturing cells on biomaterials and evaluate results using molecular biology methods.
• Identify cell therapies as a tool to stimulate tissue regeneration.
• Investigate the combination of cell therapies with biomaterials to regenerate tissues.
Syllabus
1. Basic cell culture techniques
2. Study cell growth
3. Manufacture of 3D ECM scaffolds
4. Study of the cell-material interactions
5. Study of cell adhesion by immunofluorescence
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The subject will be divided by topics that could include one or several sessions in relation to the different contents. Each session will consist of a previous theoretical explanation, an experimental part, analysis of the results and a group discussion.
During the sessions, students will work on a laboratory notebook where they will write down calculations, data and notes needed during the laboratory session.
Eventually, the teacher could use the Moodle platform that could include various resources, such as forms, exercises, multimedia material ... that the student must perform to complete the subject.
Classes will be taught in English, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). In addition, the student can choose to perform the exercises, assignments and exams in any of these languages. The teaching material will be presented mainly in English, with some exceptions (graphs, tables ...)
Students may use calculator file during exams.
The list of ECTS credits and the workload in learning hours depending on the different methodologies that will be used. Each ECTS theoretical credit has 10 hours in which the teacher has a presence in the classroom. The rest of the hours up to 25 correspond to the load of directed and autonomous learning of the student. This last teaching load can be done through autonomous activities, group work that will be presented and defended in class or individual study necessary to achieve the learning objectives of the different subjects.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First call exam:
- Periodic questionnaire (one per labwork) (20%)
- Lab Report of labwork 5 (10%)
- Final exam (70%)
Without completing the questionnaires or the report, the subject cannot be passed. More than a 5 in each item is needed to pass the subject.
Assistance is compulsory (only 1 unjustified absence or 2 late arrivals (After 09:10h)). In such cases, it still needed to assist and directly to second call exam. It is equally mandatory to engage during the class, as non-involvement will be penalized.
Second call exam: Only the note of said exam will be taken into account. In addition, there will be no option for honors registration.
Important considerations
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, in exams it will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
- Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
The student will have to bring a laboratory notebook, lab coat and safety glasses by laboratory.
Bibliography and resources
Johnna S. Temenoff & Antonios G. Mikos. Biomaterials: The intersection of Biology and Materials Science. Pearson, 2009
Melissa Kurtis Micou & Dawn Kilkenny. A Laboratory Course in Tissue Engineering. CRC Press, 2017
Evaluation period
- E1 01/06/2026 A12 14:00h