Course

Unit 1

In vitro model systems in medicine; basic concepts in developing in vitro models, biofabrication strategies for developing in vitro models, impact of in vitro models in disease modeling and drug testing, basics in 3D cell culture

Unit 2

Microfluidic cell culture systems; Introduction to microfluidic systems, the design concept and key components, fundamentals of organs-on-chips as in vitro microphysiological systems, applications of organs-on-chips in disease modelling, and safety and efficacy testing

Unit 3

Organoids; Basics of organoid development, experimental strategies, essential reagents and choice of 3D matrices, characterization of organoids, technical challenges.

Unit 4

3D Bioprinting in organoid development; Basics and importance of 3D printing of living cells for medical applications, choice of bio-inks, current advances and challenges in 3D bioprinting.

Unit 5

Organoids as in vitro model systems; cerebral organoids, liver organoids, intestinal organoids, pancreas and salivary gland organoids. Applications of organoids in cancer research, drug development and testing

Pre-requisites: Basic level biology

Total number of classes: 30

COURSE OUTCOME

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• Describe different types of in vitro model systems and their advantages over conventional 2D cell culture systems
• Describe basic principles and components of microfluidic cell culture systems
• Describe organs-on-chips and their advantages as in vitro model systems
• Account for organoid development procedure, organoid types, advantages and challenges
• Account for the working principle and components of 3D bioprinting
• Compile, critically analyse and evaluate research results in the area of organoids and organs-on-chips and present these both orally and in writing

1. Microfluidics: Fundamentals, Devices, and Applications, Wiley, 2018
2. Organ-on-a-chip, Engineered Microenvironments for Safety and Efficacy Testing, Academic Press, 2018
3. Jamie Davies and Melanie Lawrence, Organoids and Mini Organs, Academic Press, 2018