This course will guide students in the design of cell and tissue-based systems for application to the development of in vitro models, artificial organs and delivery systems using technology based on stem cells, organoids, smart materials and smart fabrication.
Starting from a quantitative description of cell, tissue and organ assembly, and of their requirements in terms of resources, microenvironmental conditions, cooperation and competition, the course covers fundamental design principles. It also provides a comprehensive overview of stem cell, organoid and on-chip technology as well as mathematical models of self-assembly, growth and differentiation. Project work will include design and simulation of in vitro models.
Course contents: Basic principles of biochemistry and cell biology. Quantitative models of cell-material interaction, cell assembly and 3D organisation. Allometric (power law) relationships in organisms. Design criteria for 3D tissue constructs based on resource supply and diffusion limitations. Stem cell technology, paracrine effects to induce tissue regeneration, induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids (intestine, liver, brain). Fluidic bioreactors and organ and body on a chip design using computational methods.