Biobanking
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to understand the founding principles of current systems of cell, organ and scaffold preservation. Scientific knowledge on cryobiology and cryobanking of germ cells, as a valuable tool for fertility preservation and storage of genetic resources are provided. The standard procedures of organ and homograft procurement and storage and the basic principles that regulate tissue and organ scaffolding, focusing on scaffold sterilization and storage, are also given. Students experience the work in a CryoLab for the application of highly efficient protocols for cryostorage of gametes, embryos and gonadal tissue and practice on homograft preparation and procedures of organ preservation, including organ perfusion, as well as on the principal steps of scaffold preparation and banking.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge on different procedures for banking gametes, embryos, gonadal tissue as well as organs, homografts and scaffolds. Practice in the lab will provide them the basic skills for preparation of samples. Their independent judgment will consist in the ability to evaluate quality of samples that can be subjected to procedures of storage.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The integrated course consists of 8 CFU and it is divided in 3 modules:
1. Cryobiology for fertility preservation (3 CFU, Dr. Martina Colombo)
2. Homograft and organ banking (3 CFU, Prof. Fabio Acocella)
3. Scaffold banking (2 CFU, Prof. Fabio Acocella)
The program takes place in the second semester.
CRYOBIOLOGY FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION
Martina Colombo (3 CFU)
Programme
Fundamentals of cryobiology (2 hrs)
Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos (2 hrs)
Cryopreservation of testicular/ovarian tissue (2 hrs)
Applications of cryopreservation in assisted reproduction (2 hrs)
Experience in a CryoLab (semen chilling and freezing (4 hrs); oocyte freezing and vitrification (6 hrs))
HOMOGRAFT AND ORGAN BANKING
Fabio Acocella (3 CFU)
Programme
· Homograft:
- definition, concept and type of (2hrs)
- preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- evaluation (Lab) (1hr)
· Organ Banking:
- definition, concept and type of (2hrs)
- preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- evaluation (Lab) (1hr)
SCAFFOLD BANKING
Fabio Acocella (2 CFU)
Programme
Scaffold
- definition, concept and type of (4hrs)
- fresh scaffold characteristic and preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- mechanical properties before and after storage (2hrs)
1. Cryobiology for fertility preservation (3 CFU, Dr. Martina Colombo)
2. Homograft and organ banking (3 CFU, Prof. Fabio Acocella)
3. Scaffold banking (2 CFU, Prof. Fabio Acocella)
The program takes place in the second semester.
CRYOBIOLOGY FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION
Martina Colombo (3 CFU)
Programme
Fundamentals of cryobiology (2 hrs)
Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos (2 hrs)
Cryopreservation of testicular/ovarian tissue (2 hrs)
Applications of cryopreservation in assisted reproduction (2 hrs)
Experience in a CryoLab (semen chilling and freezing (4 hrs); oocyte freezing and vitrification (6 hrs))
HOMOGRAFT AND ORGAN BANKING
Fabio Acocella (3 CFU)
Programme
· Homograft:
- definition, concept and type of (2hrs)
- preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- evaluation (Lab) (1hr)
· Organ Banking:
- definition, concept and type of (2hrs)
- preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- evaluation (Lab) (1hr)
SCAFFOLD BANKING
Fabio Acocella (2 CFU)
Programme
Scaffold
- definition, concept and type of (4hrs)
- fresh scaffold characteristic and preparation (Lab) (4hrs)
- storage (Lab) (2hrs)
- mechanical properties before and after storage (2hrs)
Teaching methods
Attendance is strongly recommended for theoretical lessons and practicals.
In the theoretical lessons students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already discussed in previous lessons.
In practical work, individually or in small groups, students are guided towards the achievement of their autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the execution of the procedures.
In the theoretical lessons students are involved by stimulating their interest and encouraging them to participate by asking questions and asking to summarize parts already discussed in previous lessons.
In practical work, individually or in small groups, students are guided towards the achievement of their autonomy in the manual skills necessary for the execution of the procedures.
Teaching Resources
Scientific papers
Lecture presentations in MyAriel
Lecture presentations in MyAriel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge acquired during the theoretical lessons and during the practical training in the lab and the ability to analyze field-related literature. A single, oral exam will take place, including the presentation of a scientific article chosen by each student.
VET/09 - VETERINARY CLINICAL SURGERY - University credits: 5
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
VET/10 - VETERINARY CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Acocella Fabio, Colombo Martina
Professor(s)