Ateneo - UPO

Dynamic culture devices (bioreactors) for microorganisms, cells, and tissues culture and in vitro model systems for drug screening and disease modeling. Advantages, subsystems, and applicative examples.

Bioreactors. Design, Operation and Novel Applications. Edited by Carl-Fredrik Mandenius. ©2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

The course aims to support the student in developing knowledge in dynamic culture devices (bioreactors) for microorganisms, cells, and tissues culture and in vitro model systems for drug screening and disease modeling. Further objective is to provide the student competences for identifying the advantages of using bioreactors rather than conventional culture methods depending on the application field.

Basic knowledge on cell biology and physiology.

Lessons in class with slides and illustration of scientific papers and applicative examples, supported by discussion of the most advanced technologies. All presented contents will be available on the digital platform (DIR) and will substitute the book content. In case of COVID-19 emergency, lessons will be provided in virtual and streaming mode.

All contents presented during the lessons will be available on the digital platform Didattica in Rete dell’Ateneo (https://www.dir.uniupo.it/)

See the description of the course "Production of biotechnological drugs"

From 2D static culture to 3D dynamic culture (1h)
Definition of devices for dynamic culture of microrganisms/cells/tissues (bioreactors) and advantages for basic research and large-scale industrial production (2h)
Bioreactor types and purposes in tissue engineering field (3h)
Bioreactor subsystems (3h)
Cell expansion bioreactors (2h)
Tissue maturation bioreactors (3h)
In vitro model system for drug screening and disease modeling / Microfluidic bioreactors (2h)

At the end of the course, the student should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of different culture methods;
- Knowledge of bioreactor definition and potential uses;
- Knowledge of bioreactor advantages with respect to traditional culture methods;
- Knowledge of bioreactor subsystems;
- Knowledge of technological solutions for cell expansion and tissue maturation and for in vitro model systems;
- Ability to select the most appropriate bioreactor depending on the application field, exploiting critical analysis and autonomy of judgement;
- Ability to identify the essential parameters to be monitored and controlled in a bioreactor depending on the application;
- Being able to illustrate and discuss a topic depending on the investigation field, using an appropriate terminology;
- Being able to read, understand, and comment books, scientific papers or other sources.