[bioundgrd] Summer UROP project on stem cells

[Joyce Roberge]

Mission
The objective of this project is to study the expansion of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a 3-dimensional platform, in suspension in the spinner flask and the bioreactor.

Project background
Mesenchymal stem cells are self-renewing cells isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, peripheral blood. MSCs are of interest for toxicology screening during drug development, cell therapy and regenerative medicine. These emerging fields require large numbers of cells. 

Adult stem cells have a finite life span and can lose pluripotency. As a result their expansion  has been challenging. Typically these cells are expanded on two-dimensional (2D) culture systems such as t-flasks, cell cubes/factories, and roller bottles. However these platforms are labor intensive and are not easily scalable. Microcarriers represent the 3D culture system of interest, offering a large surface area for growth of adherent cells, like stem cells, and facilitating the scale-up in the bioreactor. 

This project will study the biological basis for expansion of MSCs on microcarriers, and explore the design of methodologies for scaling-up the process.

Requirements and Resources
The project calls for a highly-motivated and dedicated student interested to contribute to an emerging field, with relevant skills in cell culture (e.g., cell enumeration and viability assays, quantification of culture substrates and metabolic products). A cell differentiation assay using fluorescent microscopy and a state-of-the-art bioreactor will be used in the project. Training for all the techniques used in our lab will be provided to the selected student. The project will take place in E19, directly across the Biology building.

Provided the project develops nicely this summer it would be possible to pursue it through the academic year.

Students interested in the project should send a motivated message and copy of their resume to Dr. Jean-François Hamel, Chemical Engineering Department, at jhamel at mit.edu. 




 





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