Webinar: Innovative Cell Technologies to Bioengineer Human Tissues

Tissues in the body are composed of different cell types that are highly organised in relation to each other. Often, cells are arranged in distinct layers that enable signalling and cell-to-cell interactions. Recreation of these types of architecture will significantly evolve three-dimensional (3D) cell culture to a new level where real tissue-like structures can be bioengineered in vitro for research and discovery. Here we provide an update on the advances made concerning our innovative technology, that can be used to create complex organotypic 3D models of various tissue types that more closely resemble in vivo-like conditions.

We build human tissue models utilizing our Alvetex® technology, consisting of a robust and consistent, highly porous polystyrene scaffold that is engineered into a 200-micron thick membrane. The scaffold acts as a catalyst to enable cells to freely form 3D architectures within and on the surface of the membrane. Most often, we culture human fibroblasts on Alvetex, which produce extensive amounts of endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM). This layer of stromal tissue acts as a foundation for supporting epithelial cells seeded onto the surface, recreating the layered structure of the epithelial mucosa.

For example, we can produce a robust full-thickness human skin construct comprising primary dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, raised to the air-liquid interface to induce cornification of the upper layers. We have introduced additional cell types within this platform, such as melanocytes to create pigmented skin, sensory neurons for skin sensitivity assays, immune cells for inflammatory responses, and created models of aged skin. Our skin models have been adopted and used by global companies developing consumer products.

In another example, we developed a sub-mucosal model replicating the structure of the human intestinal wall, consisting of a polarized simple epithelium, a layer of ECM proteins simulating the basement membrane, and underlying stromal tissues. This system is highly characterized and can be used for transport assays, and the inclusion of immune cells has enabled the study of inflammatory bowel disease and the formation of the leaky gut phenotype.

We also carefully consider the presentation and application of the tissue equivalents we generate. We are unique in that we design and manufacture our own bespoke culture plasticware, providing the user we great flexibility to control media volume; raise models to the air-liquid interface, promote crosstalk and paracrine signaling, and allow compatibility with instrumentation for measuring characteristics of tissue function. This novel plasticware allows the end-user can design their own experimental setups bespoke for their experimental needs.

Collectively, these organotypic models and innovative plasticware enable the unique versatility of our human tissue technology, complementing REPROCELL’s ex vivo tissue services. Creating a layered arrangement of co-cultured cells more closely simulates the true anatomical organisation of cells within many tissue types. Using such constructs also provides the opportunity to control the addition of different cell types in a temporal and spatial fashion, thus building up the complexity of the model over time, enabling the study intercellular relationships in health and disease.

Our bespoke human tissue equivalents provide new research tools to advance the discovery process, aid screening and testing in product development, and provide alternatives to the use of animals.

About our Speaker

Prof. Stefan Przyborski has over 30 years’ experience in cell biology with specific interests in cell culture technology and bioengineering human tissues for in vitro applications. He has developed a multi-disciplinary approach to the bioengineering of tissue equivalents through creating bespoke devices and new cell culture platforms. Stefan is the Chief Scientific Officer of REPROCELL Europe, Glasgow. He also holds an academic position as Professor in Cell Technology at Durham University. His research continues to develop new innovative approaches to manage the growth and function of cultured cells in ways that more accurately reflect native tissues. These human tissue models have multiple applications and will be particularly relevant to modelling human disease, and advancing basic research, safety screening, and drug discovery.

Webinar: Innovative Cell Technologies to Bioengineer Human Tissues In Vitro for Use in R&D and Modelling Human Disease

Prof. Stefan Przyborski

About our Speaker

This webinar is being offered in two sessions:

Registration