Training Cycle on Tissue Barrier Models at the University of Milan

From June 17th to 21st, 2024, the University of Milan's Lodi Campus hosted a comprehensive training course titled “Bioengineering Tissues in the Laboratory: Principles, Technology, and Application.” Three researchers from our team at the Estonian University of Life Sciences—Dulmini Nanayakkara Sapugahawatte, Seyed Omid Reza Mousavi, and Deep Bhattacharya—participated in the event. Led by Prof. Stefan Alexander Przyborski from Durham University, this course aimed to deepen participants' understanding of modern cell and tissue research. It provided an exploration of cutting-edge cell culture technologies and their applications in creating tissue equivalents in vitro. 

The course kicked off with an introduction to the relationship between tissue structure and function, emphasizing the development and use of advanced cell culture techniques. Participants learned about the anatomy of epithelial tissues and methods to replicate these structures in a laboratory setting. The following days delved into more specialized topics, including the development of in vitro technologies for epithelial tissues, 3D cell culture technologies, and the complexities of skin bioengineering. Practical laboratory demonstrations were integral, offering hands-on experience with microscopes and histological preparations.

On the final day, the focus shifted to the commercialization of bioengineering technologies. Prof. Przyborski discussed how academic research can be transformed into marketable products, using bioengineered tissues as a prime example. The course also featured interactive sessions where participants brainstormed and pitched their own ideas, fostering creativity and collaboration. Overall, the training offered valuable insights into both the theoretical and practical aspects of tissue engineering, enhancing participants' skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.