SCV0815 - CELL MODELS AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

insegnamento

ID:

SCV0815

Durata (ore):

48

CFU:

Anno:

2025

Periodo di attività

Secondo Semestre (24/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)

Obiettivi Formativi

The aim of the course is to introduce the biological and molecular aspects of stem cells and their derivatives, and to explore how these mechanisms contribute to the understanding and treatment of specific disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the potential of devices composed of biocompatible 3D scaffolds combined with cells and their derivatives for applications in regenerative medicine. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to grow as learners and effective contributors by: 1- Taking responsibility for their own learning and the depth of their study 2- Making use of all available resources to complement lecture material and aca-demic knowledge 3- Working collaboratively in teams, particularly during laboratory experiences 4- Developing communication skills through effective interaction with peers and academic staff.

Prerequisiti

To follow the course effectively, an adequate knowledge of cytology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology is required.

Metodi didattici

The course includes lecture-based instruction and laboratory experiences. The laboratory session is designed to encourage independent work, ensure safety, and promote teamwork.

Verifica Apprendimento

For Section 1 and the laboratory experience, the final exam will consist of a short seminar-style presentation (PowerPoint format is welcome) and a discussion of the laboratory report. Students are expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of the topics covered during the course. Evaluation will be based on presentation skills (27 points out of 30) and the quality of the laboratory report (worth up to 3 points out of 30). For Section 2, students will be evaluated through a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 31 questions. Each correct answer will earn 1 point, while each incorrect answer will incur a penalty of -0.5 points. The quiz will assess both theoretical and practical topics covered during the course, including scaffold design, biocompatible materials, and 3D printing parameters. A weighted average score of at least 18/30 is required.

Contenuti

1 – Lectures (36 hours) Segment 1: (24 hours) Stem cells: an overview The biology of embryonic and adult stem cells Cells as models for in vitro and in vivo experiments to study diseases Stem cells and their derivatives in regenerative medicine applications Cell-based drug delivery systems Bioethics: pros and cons of stem cell applications. Segment 2: (12 hours) Overview of major 3D printing technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Survey of biocompatible and bioresorbable materials used in tissue engineering (e.g., PLA, PCL, PLLA) Fundamentals of CAD software for 3D modeling and scaffold design Practical exercise: Designing a basic scaffold structure Analysis and optimization of key printing parameters (e.g., layer height, infill density, print speed, temperature) Simulation of 3D printing processes to predict scaffold performance 2 – Laboratory Experiences (18 hours) The practical lessons include: • Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue • Immunostaining to assess cell stemness • Preparation and execution of a viability assay on cells seeded onto a scaffold • 3D scaffold printing At the end of the laboratory experience, students will be asked to write a short report (2-3 pages).

Lingua Insegnamento

INGLESE

Altre informazioni

The teachers receives the students by appointment via e-mail (rosalba.gornati@uninsubria.it; pieroantonio.zecca@uninsubria.it; ludovica.barone@uninsubria.it).