OVERVIEW

The Cellular and Tissue Engineering course offers an interdisciplinary overview of the fabrication and engineering of structures suitable for mimicking/replacing/regenerating of human body tissues. The course integrates knowledge from understanding biological phenomena at the cellular and tissue level to prepare students to contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that can overcome the limitations of conventional therapies

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide knowledge on the fundamental and technological aspects related to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with particular reference to cell biology, stem cells, biocompatibility, cell culture systems, innovative substrates for cell culture and advanced in vitro models. The main aim is underline the importance of understanding biological phenomena at the cellular and tissue level in order to develop therapeutic strategies that can overcome the limits of conventional therapies. The applicative examples, that will be proposed, will thus have the purpose of stimulating and developing the student's abilities in applying theoretical knowledge to the field of tissue engineering.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the main classes of biomaterials (metals, polymers, ceramics, natural materials, and composites), their physicochemical properties, and the methods for their modification and characterization.
• Understand the role of material surfaces in biological interactions and analyze surface engineering strategies aimed at improving clinical performance (e.g., antifouling, antithrombogenic, antibacterial surfaces).
• Analyze biological responses to implanted materials, including inflammation, healing, immune response, coagulation, and biofilm formation.
• Apply multidisciplinary knowledge to evaluate materials for specific clinical applications (cardiovascular, orthopedic, dental, skin, neural).
• Conduct experimental activities involving the synthesis, modification, and analysis of biomaterials, developing practical laboratory skills and critical interpretation of results.
• Evaluate the safety of materials by studying local and systemic effects, including toxicity, immunogenicity, and tumorigenic pote

PREREQUISITES

Organic chemistry

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures, practical exercises, and laboratory sessions i. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures with multimedia support

• Case studies and problem-solving exercises

• Lab visits

• Individual or group projects on specific applications

• Use of online platform AulaWeb for teaching materials

Participation  is strongly recommended for successful learning outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is organized into the following thematic modules

• Introduction to tissue engineering for regeneration and modeling
• Cells as basic unit of life
• Cell communities and cells communication
• The extracellular matrix components and organization
• Cells-to-ECM interactions
• Stem cells in regenerative medicine
• Cell culture techniques
• Biomimetic surfaces and materials
• Biocompatibility evaluation: in vitro and in vivo
• Bioreactors for tissue engineering
• Classification of tissues: cell phenotypes and ECM
• Approces for mimicking tissues composition and properties

Contribution to UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

·       Goal 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all

·       Goal 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

·       Goal 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Provided materials:

• Lecture slides

• Selected scientific papers

• Lab manuals

Recommended textbooks:

Textbook of Personalized Medicine Third Edition 2021 by Kewal K. Jain (Author)

Additional materials and updates will be made available on AulaWeb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA PASTORINO (President)

ALBERTO LAGAZZO

DONATELLA DI LISA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of an oral examination.

During the oral exam, students will be asked to discuss key concepts covered in the course, demonstrate their understanding of the approaches and techniques of tissue engineering both for tissue regeneration and modeling. The exam will also assess the student’s ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines and use appropriate scientific terminology.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam is designed to verify the achievement of the expected learning outcomes by evaluating the student's ability to:

• Clearly explain the classification, properties, and modifications of biomaterials;

• Describe biological responses to materials and relate them to clinical applications;

• Use correct technical language and communicate concepts effectively;

• Demonstrate critical thinking and interdisciplinary integration.

The evaluation will be based on:

• Accuracy and completeness of the answers;

• Logical structure and clarity of explanation;

• Use of appropriate scientific vocabulary;

• Depth of understanding and ability to connect theory with practice.

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course in order to identify teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

FURTHER INFORMATION

All course updates, lecture materials, and relevant announcements will be made available on AulaWeb.