Robust, reliable tissue models
This project is a collaboration between the OU and TAP Biosystems, a leader in the design and development of automated cell culture systems. The goal is to develop technology that will provide researchers in academia and industry with the means to create robust and reliable neural tissue models, in a simple, convenient format to support their research. The aim is to avoid the complexity and variability associated with current 3D culture systems, and so eventually reduce reliance on animal models.
The Principal Investigator of the project is Dr James Phillips, who is involved in a range of teaching, research and public engagement activities. Dr Phillips’ research team includes a number of visiting researchers and collaborators: two PhD students in Leeds; one PhD student based at The Open University, Caitriona O’Rourke, who works on developing technology for cell culture systems; and a research assistant, Melanie Georgiou, who works on developing technology for nervous system repair. Melanie won the prestigious oral presentation award competition at the 2012 Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) World Congress in Vienna.
Achievements
Engineered neural tissue mimics key features of the nervous system, including both cellular and extracellular components. Rather than culturing cells on artificial biomaterial scaffolds, nervous system cells are maintained within a natural extracellular matrix. Careful control of their environment causes the nervous system cells to align, and the aligned cellular material can then be stabilised to form a neural tissue mimic. The collaboration between TAP and OU involves an innovative platform technology for generation of complex 3D model tissues with neurons and glial cells organised within a collagen hydrogel matrix to resemble living nervous system tissue. These models will be used to monitor the responses of neurons and glia to simulated damage, and as a screening technology for potential neuroprotective therapies. The Intellectual Property has been secured by the patent application WO2004087231, which has been granted in Europe, US, Canada and Australia.
The goal of this project is to provide researchers in academia and industry with the means to create robust and reliable tissue models for their research, that avoid the complexity and variability associated with current 3D culture systems, and so will eventually help reduce the use of animals. Advanced, realistic neural tissue models would have widespread applications in drug testing and neuroscience research and development.
About TAP Biosystems:
TAP Biosystems (formerly The Automation Partnership) provides innovative automation systems and consumables to improve productivity in life science research, development and production. For over 20 years, TAP has been the leader in the design and development of automated cell culture systems with applications in bioprocessing, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. TAP also develops custom solutions in the emerging fields of biologics and cell-based therapies, including stem cell research and tissue engineering.