BTLW000938 Dynamic 3D cell culture (in Eng.)

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Garcia Aponte, Oscar Fabian , Kasper, Cornelia
Organisation
Biotechnology and Food Science
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This course covers the theoretical background and practical implementation of advanced 3D cell culture techniques, with a focus on dynamic cultivation systems. Conventional 2D monolayer cultures fail to recapitulate critical aspects of the in vivo microenvironment, including cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, nutrient and oxygen gradients, and mechanical forces. 3D culture systems address these limitations and are central to the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models that serve as alternatives to animal experimentation. Additionally, dynamic cultivation systems, including perfusion and suspension bioreactors, further enable controlled fluid flow and the application of mechanical stress, an important additional parameter for physiological relevance. In this context, the topics addressed in this course include:

•Introduction to 3 D cell culture formats
•Advanced principles and applications of 3D cell cultures.
•3D biomaterials (focus: natural polymers and ceramics).
•Parameters for optimization of 3D cultivation conditions.
•Cell analysis in 3D bioreactor systems.
•Equipment for generating 3D structures.
•Applications of dynamic cultivation systems.
•Specialized incubator systems.
•Perfusion and suspension bioreactors.
•Commercially available 3D cultivation materials and devices.
Previous knowledge expected

This course is designed for advanced students (late master or PhD level) who possess experience with work in a biochemical laboratory and sterile cell culture handling. Participants must have sufficient training to safely work with chemicals and biological materials. Additionally, basic skills in following manufacturers’ instructions, planning of experiments and standard laboratory calculations (e.g., dilution series, molarity/concentration conversions, cell density determinations, and unit conversions involving molecular weight) are expected.

A central objective of this course is to develop the participants' ability to independently plan and execute cell culture experiments. Therefore, the course material is tailored to provide a training environment suitable for the already advanced skills level of the participants. Please be aware that provided protocols do NOT always contain detailed instructions that can be followed directly. Instead, a general experimental outline as well as protocols and material information will be provided (similar to the typical situation in a research lab). The students are expected to use the provided material to define the details of their experimental work themselves. Instructors will be available for guidance, but initiative and critical thinking are essential.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are indispensable tools in modern biomedical research, enabling the creation of tissue and organ models that more faithfully recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment compared to conventional 2D monolayer cultures. This course aims to provide advanced students with both the theoretical foundations and practical competencies needed to design, implement, and critically evaluate dynamic 3D culture systems.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1.Explain the principles underlying scaffold-based and scaffold-free 3D culture approaches.
2.Operate perfusion and suspension bioreactors, as well as specialized incubator systems.
3.Design 3D culture experiments by selecting appropriate biomaterials, culture parameters, and dynamic conditions.
4.Evaluate the relevance of dynamic 3D culture models in the context of the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) for reducing animal experimentation.
5.Analyze cell behavior within 3D constructs using suitable readout methods.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.