Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

3D Printing

3D Printing
3
15738
1
First semester
op
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,

Teaching staff


Dra. NÚÑEZ TOLDRÀ, Raquel - rnunez@uic.es

Introduction

This course provides an introduction to cell and plant bioengineering applied to the cosmetic sector. It covers the principles of cell biology, cell culture, tissue engineering and molecular technologies, as well as their applications in skin regeneration, anti-ageing and aesthetic medicine. The course also explores the potential of plant cell cultures as a source of bioactive cosmetic ingredients and the development of innovative cosmetic products, including formulation, safety, efficacy and regulatory aspects.

Objectives

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide an integrated overview of the applications of cell and plant bioengineering in the cosmetic field. Students will acquire knowledge of:

  • The fundamentals of cell biology, tissue engineering and cell culture applied to cosmetics.

  • The main cellular and molecular technologies of interest in aesthetic medicine and skincare.

  • The applications of stem cells, extracellular vesicles, growth factors and omics technologies in the development of cosmetic solutions.

  • The applications of bioengineering in skin regeneration, ageing, pigmentation and hair follicle regeneration.

  • The principles of plant cell culture and its use as a platform for the production of bioactive compounds of cosmetic interest.

  • The development process of cosmetic ingredients and products, from research and production to formulation and commercialization.

  • The principles of safety, efficacy, ethics and regulation applicable to emerging cosmetic technologies and ingredients.

  • The critical evaluation of emerging technologies and their potential applications in the cosmetic field.

Syllabus

UIC Barcelona – Cosmetic Cell Bioengineering (OPT5)

2026-2027

Part I 1. Introduction to Cosmetic Bioengineering

  • Definition, scope, history and evolution

  • Overview of aesthetic medicine and biotechnology convergence

  • Skin anatomy and physiology

  • Initial Questionnaire (course expectations)

2. Basic Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering

  • Stem cell biology (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells)

  • Cell culture techniques (2D and 3D)

  • Organoids and skin equivalents

  • Cell signaling and growth factors in aesthetic applications

  • Exercise: Designing a 3D Human Skin Model

3. Cellular and Molecular Techniques in Cosmetics (I, II)

  • Gene editing for cosmetic purposes (e.g., CRISPR in pigmentation disorders)

  • Exosome therapy and extracellular vesicles for skin rejuvenation

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its cellular mechanisms

  • Cell-conditioned media in skincare

  • Omics technologies and personalized beauty

  • Exercise: Design a Personalized Skincare Solution Using OMICs

4. Applications of Cell Bioengineering in Aesthetics

  • Skin regeneration and anti-aging treatments

  • Hair follicle regeneration and bioengineering

  • Pigmentation correction

5. Safety, Ethics, and Regulations

  • FDA, EMA

  • Clinical trials in aesthetic cell therapies

  • Ethical considerations in cosmetic genetic modifications

  • Exercise: Regulatory Review Meeting

6. Current Trends and Future Directions

  • Personalized aesthetic medicine using patient-derived cells

  • Practical skills in cell culture. Explanation of the workshops

  • Exam 1 (20 questions, general knowledge)

7. Practical Workshops

  • Testing cosmetic bioengineered solutions on models or in vitro systems (skin, fibroblasts)

  • Workshop Report

Part II 8. Plant Cell Cultures: Introduction, History and Evolution of the Technology

  • Basic principles, scope, history and evolution

  • Plant cell cultures in cosmetics

  • Differences with other production systems (whole plant, microbial fermentation, metabolic engineering, etc.)

9. Plant Cell Cultures: Biofactories for the Production of Bioactive Compounds

  • Totipotency and dedifferentiation

  • Growth optimization

  • Strategies for yield optimization

10. Metabolites of Cosmetic Interest

  • Classification, stability, bioavailability and applications (exosome-like vesicles, growth factors, etc.)

  • Production of primary and secondary metabolites in plants vs. plant cell cultures

  • Applications in cosmetics

11. From the Lab to the Market: Galenic Development

  • Downstream processing and formulation of plant cell cultures

  • Microbial preservation: preservative systems and preservative efficacy tests

  • Stability testing

12. From the Lab to the Market: Safety, Regulations and Challenges

  • Efficacy and safety testing in cosmetics

  • Black lists and marketing restrictions: challenges for the development stage

  • “Preservative-free”: opportunities and risks

13. Cosmetic Formulation, Current Trends and Future Directions

  • Cosmetic formulation with plant cell culture-based ingredients

  • Innovative applications of plant cell cultures

  • Tissue engineering and synergies with plant cell cultures

14. Project Presentations and Discussion / Exam 2

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The course will be delivered entirely in person and will combine different teaching methodologies:

  • Lectures and theoretical sessions to introduce the fundamental concepts of cell and plant bioengineering applied to cosmetics.

  • Study and discussion of practical cases to apply the acquired knowledge to real-world situations and applications in the cosmetic sector.

  • Practical activities and exercises focused on the design and evaluation of cosmetic models, solutions and strategies based on cellular and molecular technologies.

  • Practical workshops on cell culture and the evaluation of bioengineered solutions using in vitro models.

  • Assessment activities (2 multiple-choice exams) to evaluate the acquisition of the knowledge and competencies associated with the course.

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