Tissue Engineering

Tissue Engineering (BME405) provides students with a comprehensive overview into the scope and potential of this evolving field. This subject addresses the use of natural, synthetic and ceramic biomaterials as scaffolds in tissue engineering; scaffold function, mechanics and fabrication methods; cellular processes that contribute to tissue dynamics (e.g. morphogenesis, regeneration and repair); cell sources, mechanobiology and the use of bioreactors as biomimetic environments; in vitro and in vivo tissue engineering strategies for bone, cartilage and skin regeneration; and ethical and regulatory issues in tissue engineering. The subject integrates aspects of biomedical engineering, biomaterials science and biology and provides functional clinical examples in this evolving area of technology.

Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the sources, selection and potential challenges of using stem cells for tissue engineering.
2. Describe the role of cellular fate processes in tissue morphogenesis, repair and regeneration.
3. Describe the protein structures and composition of native extracellular matrices.
4. Discuss the functional requirements, design, fabrication and biomaterials selection criteria for tissue engineering scaffolds.
5. Predict the mechanical behaviour of tissue engineering scaffolds using cellular solids theory.
6. Use fluid mechanics theory to characterise mechanical stimulation in tissue engineering scaffolds in flow perfusion bioreactors.
7. Describe experimental techniques in mechanobiology and outline the role of mechanical signals on stem cell differentiation.
8. Outline the steps involved in the development of in vitro and in vivo strategies for tissue engineering for bone, cartilage and skin regeneration.
9. Prepare a manuscript for peer-review according to the publication guidelines of a scientific journal.