Studying a biological phenomenon involves choosing an appropriate study model, and in vitro cellular culture systems have proven to be very useful over the years for various experiments. In recent years, also with the aim of minimizing the use of animals in experimentation, various 3D culture systems have been developed that increasingly approximate the physiology of the organism. In particular, thanks to the development of technology, various types of three-dimensional structures are obtained on which cells can recreate an environment similar to an organ or tissue. Lastly, various innovative engineering systems have been developed to support cell culture, taking into account the different experimental needs.
In this course, various 3D cell culture systems applied to different areas of basic and applied biology study will be presented, providing the student with an updated bibliography.
The aim of this course is to offer an overview of the main aspects of three-dimensional models of cell cultures, from spheroids to organoids and 3D-printing. Simulated microgravity models to support the formation of 3D structures and some examples of bioreactors and microfluidics, which allow the maintenance and control of cell culture for pharmacological and biomedicine studies, will also be presented.
The aim of this course is to broaden knowledge on 3D culture systems, models that are increasingly used in both basic and applied research. In particular, the following will be covered:
The "dynamic reciprocity" between the cell and the extracellular matrix in determining cell fate
Modulation of microenvironment signals compared in 2D and 3D cultures.
Definition of spheroid and organoid, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the different types of 3D cultures. Their applications in various areas of biological research
Biomaterials as a three-dimensional support for cell cultures
Use of 3D-printing for the formation of tissue-specific organoids
Use of organoids for the study of innervation and vascularization processes
Use of bioreactors for dynamic cell cultures and basics of microfluidics and organ-on-chip
Use of simulated microgravity models for the formation of 3D cellular structures: Random positioning machine (RPM), rotating wall vessel (RWV). Their application in ground-based research
Review of scientific literature
Laboratory activity for setting up a 3D cell culture
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Understand the recent literature on various systems of three-dimensional cell cultures
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of 3D cultures in various applications
Have the basic knowledge to set up three-dimensional cell cultures in static and dynamic conditions, through the use of bioreactors and tools that aid the formation of three-dimensional cellular structures.
Students will be required to have a basic understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and 2D cell cultures.
24 hours of lectures and 16 hours of laboratory work.
Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the professor and the disability coordinator of the School/Department at the beginning of the course to discuss any teaching methods that, while respecting the goals of the instruction, take into account individual learning methods.
Program of Lectures:
Laboratory Activities:
Scientific literature.
Ricevimento: by appointment by email: sara.tavella@unige.it
Ricevimento: By appointment by email: chiara.gentili@unige.it
CHIARA GENTILI (President)
SARA TAVELLA (President)
The examination takes place in a written format with questions covering all the topics discussed during the course. The exam consists of a multiple-choice test with 30 questions on the lectures and laboratory experience.
The assessment will be based on the correctness of the answers provided during the final exam, which aims to verify the assimilation of the covered contents and the ability to link and apply the acquired knowledge.
