Medical Biotechnology

Acquire knowledge and being able to apply the most innovative cellular and tissue biotechnological methodologies in the experimental bioengineering field, including cell systems and bioartificial tissues and systems cell phones producing biologically active molecules; Acquire the ability to develop therapeutic strategies, based on biotechnology, such as the development of models of cellular and tissue replacement therapies. Knowing and being able to apply biotechnological methodologies for the preparation of organ, primary, cellular, histotypic, organotypic cultures. Bioreactors for the development of protocols experimental for therapeutic purposes. Study of cellular and molecular mechanisms of epithelial repair/regeneration; - cell therapies in regenerative medicine according to current legislation (GMP); - clinical application of cell therapy products in rare diseases.

The student must have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques in compliance with the consequential logic dictated by the understanding and acquisition of the skills necessary to take the exam.

Slides of the lectures, bibliography and pdf for in-depth analysis of the topics covered.

The Laboratory Methods module consists of face-to-face lessons with students, interspersed with one or more specific seminars. The lessons are all interactive, so the teacher stimulates the students with questions to which they, by virtue of the courses already taken, can answer. This allows the teacher to highlight the links between the module and the others within the teaching of cellular tissue and organ bioengineering. References to notions of previous courses must accustom the student to not studying the proposed subject as something closed, aimed at passing the final exam, to be filed immediately after, but wants to highlight a multidisciplinary study, to which the student must be educated. At the end of the lesson or course, the student will be given the slides and teaching material, as well as the exam program and recommended texts, useful for preparing the exam. It is understood that the slides are a guide to the exam topics, but they can never replace the recommended texts and lectures held by the teacher. Attendance to the course is optional but strongly recommended.

Overview of techniques and protocols for primary cell cultures. Cell spheroid biofabrication techniques. Cell delivery techniques in the cardiac field: examples of animal models and clinical trials. Cellular engineering for in vivo tracking methods and to optimize cell engraftment. Alternatives to cell therapy: direct reprogramming, cell-mimetic particles. Cardiac tissue engineering: examples of biomaterials, techniques with scaffolds and hydrogels, decellularized matrix, tissue printing, biomechanical aspects. Examples of bioreactors for 3D culture and for electromechanical maturation.

The course is based on previous knowledge on molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, histology, and general pathology. The student must possess awareness on cell functions, on the meaning of phenotype control, and on tissue healing after injury. Moreover, the student must understand the main techniques for studying phenotypes, such as immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis.

Selected scientific publications on the topics.

mandatory

The final test consists of an oral discussion of topics covered during the lessons, taking into account the understanding of the course contents and the student's critical and reasoning skills. The final vote of the exam (expressed in thirtieths) will take into account the evaluations of the different modules of the course. A basic knowledge of the topics in the syllabus is necessary to pass the test with minimum grade (18/30). To obtain the maximum grade of 30 cum laude, the student must have an excellent knowledge of all topics in the syllabus, must be able to discuss them logically and consistently, and must master the topics with appropriateness and depth.

Selected scientific publications on the topics.

The course takes place with lectures in which students are required a continuous interaction by favoring questions on the topics discussed during the lesson.