Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering

Objectives

Classically, the production of vaccines, recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies has been conditioned by the ability to grow eukaryotic cells in culture media in the laboratory. On the other hand, the use of cell cultures has allowed to open new perspectives in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and in the treatment of pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed societies. Likewise, current and future medical needs require the ability to replace dysfunctional tissues of the human body, which leads to an important development of tissue bioengineering techniques for the creation and manipulation of tissues in the laboratory.

This subject aims to introduce students to the basic techniques of manipulating cell cultures and the possible applications of cell cultures in the biomedical field. Therefore, four basic objectives are set:

• Know the equipment, facilities, materials and techniques necessary for the manipulation of cell cultures and biological materials under sterile conditions.
• To introduce students to the manipulation of eukaryotic cell cultures.
• Introduce students to the principles and techniques of tissue engineering.
• Learn about the possible applications of the use of cell cultures and tissue engineering through the analysis of scientific publications.

Learning outcomes

• LO1. Knows the techniques of 2D and 3D culture and analysis of cells and tissues.
• LO2. Performs monolayer cultures of continuous cell lines correctly and safely, following good laboratory practices, and knows the main tissue engineering methods.
• LO3. Identify imaging techniques for the analysis of cellular and tissue organization levels.
• LO4. Evaluates globally the learning processes carried out in accordance with the plans and objectives set and establishes individual improvement measures.
• LO5. Understands oral and written messages of different types in a complete way expressed in Catalan, Spanish and English.
• LO6. Acquires and demonstrates advanced knowledge of technical and practical aspects in the field of cell cultures and tissue engineering.
• RA7. Moves with ease in complex situations or those that require the development of new solutions in experimentation in the field of cell cultures and tissue engineering.
• LO8. Collects and interprets data and information on which to base their conclusions, which include reflections on social, scientific or ethical issues in the field of cell cultures and cell tissue engineering.

Competencies

General skills

• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarize and analyze information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Describe the relationship between the biology of the nucleus and the metabolism of the main cell types.
• Have technical skills in a research laboratory for working on cell and tissue samples, and with experimental animals.
• Promote, respect and apply the principles of bioethics in professional activity.
• Recognize the organization, structure and function of cells and their components in different tissues.
• Use key analytical and imaging techniques, and basic technological instruments, following customary preclinical research laboratory protocols.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.
• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Core skills

• Communicate orally, in writing and audiovisually, in one's own language and in foreign languages, with proficiency in form, content and use.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigor and quality.

Content

The subject is structured into theory sessions, guided work sessions and practical sessions.

In the theoretical sessions The course contents are taught organized into four blocks:

• Part I. Introduction to cell cultures (basic concepts, cell culture laboratory, types of cultures, contaminations, etc.)
• Part II. Cell culture techniques (nutritional requirements, culture methods, biology of cells in culture, cryopreservation, primary cultures, etc.)
• Part III. Cell culture study techniques (flow cytometry, microscopy, etc.) and cell culture applications (cell therapy, etc.)
• Part IV. Tissue bioengineering (principles and techniques)

In the guided work sessions The following content blocks are explored in depth:

• Regulations for the manipulation of cell cultures in the biotechnology and research field (biosafety regulations, individual and collective protection equipment, waste treatment, work regulations according to GLP, etc.)
• Ethical aspects related to the manipulation of cell cultures (data protection legislation, regulations and codes of good research practice, patient consent, etc.)
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• Tissue engineering applications (biomaterials, organ decellularization, 3D bioprinting, etc.)

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Methodology

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Bibliography

Key references

• Doyle, A., Griffiths, J.B. (1998). Cell and Tissue Culture: Laboratory procedures in biotechnology. John Wiley & Sons.
• Freshney, R.I. (2010). Culture of animal cells a manual of basic technique and specialized applications. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/doi/book/10.1002/9780470649367
• Lanza, R., Langer, R., Vacanti, J. (2007). Principles of Tissue Engineering (3 ed.). Elsevier Academic Press.
• Ormerod, M.G. (2008). Flow Cytometry: A Basic Introduction. Retrieved from https://flowbook.denovosoftware.com/
• Sigma-Aldrich. Lab & Production Materials (2018). Fundamental Techniques in Cell Culture Laboratory Handbook: 4th Edition. Retrieved from https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/cell-culture/learning-center/ecacc-handbook.html

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.