In Vitro Model Technologies
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide information on innovative methodologies in the field of conveying cells and tissues, newly developed in vitro culture platforms for in vitro modeling and in vitro toxicology to evaluate the absorption, bioavailability, metabolism and toxicity of substances through a practical approach.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will have:
Knowledge on in vitro models in toxicology
Knowledge on the application of in vitro toxicity testing
Knowledge on endocrine and paracrine activity of 3D system especially with primary cells
Notions on controlled conveying and release of cellular and tissue systems
Knowledge related to new cell culture platforms for in vitro tissue reconstruction
Knowledge of the main signaling pathways for the maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis
Knowledge on in vitro models in toxicology
Knowledge on the application of in vitro toxicity testing
Knowledge on endocrine and paracrine activity of 3D system especially with primary cells
Notions on controlled conveying and release of cellular and tissue systems
Knowledge related to new cell culture platforms for in vitro tissue reconstruction
Knowledge of the main signaling pathways for the maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
Module 1: Toxicology and in vitro models
Lectures:
-Species-specific in vitro models (3 hours)
-In vitro models and evaluation of bioavailability, transport, metabolism and toxicity of xenobiotics (1 hour)
-In vitro toxicity studies and 3D models (2 hours)
-Epithelial barriers and permeability studies (3 hours)
-Elements of Nanotoxicology: in vitro toxicity of nanoparticles/nanomaterials and the concept of safe and sustainable by design (2 hours)
-In vitro cytotoxicity test (1 hour)
Practical classes:
-Evaluation of cytokine release (1 hours)
-Evaluation of TEER (Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance) (3 hours)
-In vitro model for Endocrine Disruptors (3 hours)
-Hepatic metabolism in vitro (1 hours)
- Educational visit in Italian laboratory (4)
Module 2: Physiology and delivery of cellular/tissue systems
The course will provide, on the one hand, the scientific didactic bases for setting up systems for the selection, conservation, conveyance and release of cellular, autologous and heterologous populations of mammals in appropriate organs or districts of the animal organism, and on the other the functional elements for create neoorgans and pseudoorgans aimed at "in vitro" scientific and biotechnological research, aimed at studying the regulation and modulation of various biological activities. Through these organ models, it will be possible to arrive at an objective evaluation of any potential for "in vivo" use.
The program will be structured as follows:
Sample preparation and processing
Determination of the biological activity of sex hormones
Characterization of secretions by laboratory tests
Module 3: Next generation in vitro culture platforms
Practical classes
- The transition from traditional models: primary cultures, immortalized cell lines and tissue explants (1 hour)
- "Hanging drop " cultures and microbioreactors: simple solutions for the embryology laboratory and somatic cell differentiation (3 hours)
- Cultures on Transwell and air/liquid interface to replicate the polarization of epithelia in vitro (3 hours)
- Microfluidic platforms and organoids on chips, i.e. continuous perfusion chambers to reproduce the morphofunctional properties of tissues in vivo (2 hours)
- "Macrocrowding", secretomes and microvesicles: soluble signaling pathways for the control of cellular homeostasis in vitro (2 hours)
- Examples of use of new generation platforms for sustainable aquaculture solutions and business development (1 hour)
Lectures:
-Species-specific in vitro models (3 hours)
-In vitro models and evaluation of bioavailability, transport, metabolism and toxicity of xenobiotics (1 hour)
-In vitro toxicity studies and 3D models (2 hours)
-Epithelial barriers and permeability studies (3 hours)
-Elements of Nanotoxicology: in vitro toxicity of nanoparticles/nanomaterials and the concept of safe and sustainable by design (2 hours)
-In vitro cytotoxicity test (1 hour)
Practical classes:
-Evaluation of cytokine release (1 hours)
-Evaluation of TEER (Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance) (3 hours)
-In vitro model for Endocrine Disruptors (3 hours)
-Hepatic metabolism in vitro (1 hours)
- Educational visit in Italian laboratory (4)
Module 2: Physiology and delivery of cellular/tissue systems
The course will provide, on the one hand, the scientific didactic bases for setting up systems for the selection, conservation, conveyance and release of cellular, autologous and heterologous populations of mammals in appropriate organs or districts of the animal organism, and on the other the functional elements for create neoorgans and pseudoorgans aimed at "in vitro" scientific and biotechnological research, aimed at studying the regulation and modulation of various biological activities. Through these organ models, it will be possible to arrive at an objective evaluation of any potential for "in vivo" use.
The program will be structured as follows:
Sample preparation and processing
Determination of the biological activity of sex hormones
Characterization of secretions by laboratory tests
Module 3: Next generation in vitro culture platforms
Practical classes
- The transition from traditional models: primary cultures, immortalized cell lines and tissue explants (1 hour)
- "Hanging drop " cultures and microbioreactors: simple solutions for the embryology laboratory and somatic cell differentiation (3 hours)
- Cultures on Transwell and air/liquid interface to replicate the polarization of epithelia in vitro (3 hours)
- Microfluidic platforms and organoids on chips, i.e. continuous perfusion chambers to reproduce the morphofunctional properties of tissues in vivo (2 hours)
- "Macrocrowding", secretomes and microvesicles: soluble signaling pathways for the control of cellular homeostasis in vitro (2 hours)
- Examples of use of new generation platforms for sustainable aquaculture solutions and business development (1 hour)
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in physiology, toxicology, anatomy, cell biology and tissue culture
Teaching methods
Lessons and practicals in lab
Teaching Resources
Module 1: Toxicology and in vitro models
Educational material on myAriel:
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=3168
Module 2: Physiology and delivery of cellular/tissue systems
The teaching material will be provided during the course
Module 3: Next generation in vitro culture platforms
Modulo 3: The teaching material will be provided during the course
The teaching material will be provided during the course
Educational material on myAriel:
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=3168
Module 2: Physiology and delivery of cellular/tissue systems
The teaching material will be provided during the course
Module 3: Next generation in vitro culture platforms
Modulo 3: The teaching material will be provided during the course
The teaching material will be provided during the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
Module 1: the exam will be written with 2 open questions in order to ascertain the achievement of the objectives and the ability to apply knowledge acquired.
Module 2: the exam will consist of an oral interview aimed at ascertaining the acquisition and understanding of the contents of the laboratory practical activities. The test will take into account both the quality of the answers and the ability to adequately motivate them. Expository skills and the use of appropriate terminology will also be assessed.
Module 3: Module 3: The exam for Module 3 will consist of a written test aimed at verifing the student's knowledge and understanding and their ability to apply knowledge and understanding. It will consists of multiple choice questions (4 answers) with the possibility of choosing only one correct answer. In case of no response or incorrect answer, the question will not be considered. The final overall grade will be expressed out of thirty, and the student must obtain a minimum score of 18/30.
Module 2: the exam will consist of an oral interview aimed at ascertaining the acquisition and understanding of the contents of the laboratory practical activities. The test will take into account both the quality of the answers and the ability to adequately motivate them. Expository skills and the use of appropriate terminology will also be assessed.
Module 3: Module 3: The exam for Module 3 will consist of a written test aimed at verifing the student's knowledge and understanding and their ability to apply knowledge and understanding. It will consists of multiple choice questions (4 answers) with the possibility of choosing only one correct answer. In case of no response or incorrect answer, the question will not be considered. The final overall grade will be expressed out of thirty, and the student must obtain a minimum score of 18/30.
VET/01 - VETERINARY ANATOMY - University credits: 1
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 2
VET/07 - VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY - University credits: 3
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 2
VET/07 - VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 48 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 12-14
Room of the teacher
Reception:
By appointment via mail
Via Celoria 10 - Milano
Reception:
From Monday to Friday upon appointment
Office or after the lectures
Reception:
Appointment by email
Office