APSC 530 - Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering

Credits: (3) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 203 and CHEM 103 and CHEM 103L

This course explores the rapidly evolving field of biofabrication, focusing on its application in tissue engineering to design and create advanced tissue constructs. Biofabrication integrates biomaterials, living cells, and cutting-edge fabrication techniques to engineer structures that mimic native tissues and support tissue regeneration. Through lectures, discussions, and critical reviews, students will learn about key methods, including 3D bioprinting, hydrogel fabrication, and decellularization, for developing and selecting bioinks.

The course will delve into the interdisciplinary principles of biofabrication, covering material science, cellular biology, and engineering design. Topics include scaffold design, the role of biomaterials such as hydrogels and thermal plastics, and strategies to address challenges like vascularization and mechanical stability. Students will also examine real-world applications in regenerative medicine, from bone and cartilage repair to organoid development, while exploring the future of biofabrication, including emerging technologies and bioink innovations.

By the end of the course, students will gain a deep understanding of biofabrication techniques, critical considerations in tissue engineering, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the field’s future. This course is designed to engage students from diverse disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and applied science, who are eager to bridge the gap between engineering and biology to address pressing challenges in healthcare and regenerative medicine.