Meet the Instructors

Workshop Sessions

Module I: 3D Bioprinting

The 3D Bioprinting module by Next Big Innovation Labs delved into comprehensive lectures covering bioprinting basics, real-world applications, and practical training. Participants gained hands-on experience in designing scaffolds, using specialized software tools, and creatively customizing their models.

The hands-on sessions focused on activity-based learning during which participants were trained to create a lattice structure followed by an exercise where they fabricated a pluronic cornea model using the Trivima Bioprinter from design to bioprint. Once the students understood the basic workflow of 3D bioprinting, they designed their creative designs from scratch and customized the process to their requirements.

Module 2: Good Cell Culture Practices

The lively and informative session led by Dr Thomas Hartung, the Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), covered the limitations of 2D cell culture, providing valuable insights into the nuances of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Cell Culture Practices (GCCP) guidelines.

The discourse extended to the discussion of Good In Vitro Reporting Standards (GIVReSt), an initiative to enhance the quality of in vitro research and address the prevalent “reproducibility crisis” in biomedical research. Participants were actively encouraged to become integral contributors to the burgeoning global MPS movement, fostering a sense of engagement and shared commitment to advancing the field

Module 3a: Organoids

Dr. Radha illuminated the foundation of organoid cultures, rooted in the accumulated knowledge of developmental biology. These cultures serve as invaluable tools for studying the biophysical principles governing organ self-organization during development, tissue repair, and altered states in disease conditions. The complexities of setting up an organoid culture, including considerations such as cell source, matrix type, and biomaterials, were also discussed.

This immersive session, covering basic iPSC cell culture and the intricacies of setting up an organoid culture, marked a significant milestone. It provided participants with a step-by-step understanding, offering insight into the specific lab requirements and the extended incubation times associated with various developmental stages in organoid culture

Module 3b: Spheroids

Spheroids are compact and spherical 3D cell culture models that mimic in vivo cellular interactions. Dr Suresh Poosala explained the morphology of spheroid models, resembling tumor microenvironments, with outer cells thriving on oxygen and nutrients, while the inner necrotic core houses resistant cells in hypoxic conditions. This characteristic makes spheroids exceptional Disease-in-a-Dish Models, especially for testing drugs in various cancer therapies.

The practical session, led by Ms. Ramya, offered hands-on experience in spheroid culture, emphasizing diverse cell densities and staining techniques for insights into cell viability and morphology.

Module 4: Microfluidics and OoC

The final module delved into Organ-on-Chip (OoC), with Dr. Subha Narayan Rath and Ms. Sowmiya Lakshmi from IIT Hyderabad, along with Mr. Viraj Mehta from Sai Lifesciences, leading the enlightening sessions. Dr. Rath’s lectures encompassed OoC design, considerations in the design process, and diverse applications, emphasizing their efficacy in studying intricate tissue interactions—ranging from autoimmune diseases like Psoriasis to cancer-on-a-chip models.

Ms Sowmiya led the practical sessions demonstrating a 3D cancer spheroid model in a microfluidic device.Once the devices was ready, the spheroids were added to the device along with media and the participants observed the final device under a microscope