Guest Lectures

Title:

"In vitro bone models based on primary human cells – challenges and potential"

Summary:

"In vitro bone models have become essential tools for drug development and regenerative medicine approaches. To mimic the situation in native bone tissue, in vitro bone models should involve not only osteoblasts and osteoclasts, but also osteocytes. However, primary human OCY are hard to isolate from bone tissue and cannot be further expanded in vitro due to their post-mitotic state. Moreover, the simultaneous cultivation and differentiation of cells with discrete requirements concerning media composition is challenging. Another challenge is the separation of the different (human) cell species for analysis. We have been working a couple of years on the formation of osteocyte-containing in vitro bone models comprising solely primary human cells. Starting with co-cultures of osteocytes and other bone cells, we went further to basic and advanced triple cultures of bone cells. After having created a functional in vitro triple culture model, human endothelial cells were implemented to perform quadruple cultures, since vascularization is crucial for bone regeneration. Finally, an in vitro bone model of four cells types with stable expression of all specific markers was established." (Source: Anne Bernhardt)

Title:

"Spatial sequencing and 3D in vitro modelling to decode mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis"

Summary:

"Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the selective loss of particular neuron types with subsequent clinical features. My laboratory is interested in elucidating mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability and resilience with the goal of identifying new molecular targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we have a particular emphasis on the lethal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This talk will focus on our use of single cell RNA sequencing to elucidate how different neuron types, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, respond to ALS-causative mutations and how this gives clues to the demise of vulnerable motor neurons and their potential rescue. As motor neurons are highly polarised cells we also analyse the RNA content of neural processes (using Axon-seq) to investigate changes in subcellular distribution of mRNAs with disease, defects that are not necessarily revealed when somas are investigated. Here we further test targets in zebrafish to explore impact on axon growth and maintenance of connections with muscle targets. Finally, the talk will discuss how to generate the cell types of the posterior body axis (from the neck and down), from stem cells in a dish, to model human motor neuron disease using multi-organoid systems, of precise positions on the anterior-posterior body axis." (Source: Eva Hedlund)

Title:

"Shaping Ion Release from Biomaterials: From Design and Matrix Effects to Bio-Responses"

Summary:

"The biological performance of biomaterials is profoundly influenced by the release of ions from metallic implants, coatings, nanoparticles, and bioactive composites. Understanding the interplay between ion release kinetics, material composition, and matrix effects is crucial for designing biomaterials or nanoparticles that combine stability with functionality in the host environment. In this talk, we will address the fundamental mechanisms of ion release from elemental, mixed-elemental, and alloy systems such as Ag, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Ni, as well as bimetallic systems like FeNi and AgAu. The modulation of ion release through biological matrices—including albumin or citrate-rich environments—will be highlighted as a decisive factor shaping cellular responses and local tissue compatibility.
In close alignment with the mission of the Research Training Group 2901 SYLOBIO, special attention will be given to how ion release contributes to bioresponses. Functional consequences of controlled ion release in biomedical applications will be presented using selected case studies: from enhanced endothelialization and implant integration, to the challenges of endothelialisation during lung assist device development or hydrogel 3D-Printing, and further applications spanning bioactive glasses as well as hearing implant coatings. In particular, we will revisit pioneering studies that have shaped the understanding of metal-doped biomaterials—still widely cited today—and connect them to recent progress in polymer doping, additive manufacturing of Ag-doped (bio)polymers, and electrospun Zn-containing caprolactone nanofibers. Advanced analytical methods, including high-resolution multiphoton confocal microscopy, provide new insights into nanoparticle dispersion and structure–function correlations.
Taken together, these advances illustrate how rational tailoring of ion release and composite architecture enables biomaterials to move beyond inert substitutes towards active mediators of biological processes. By bridging insights from alloy chemistry, surface science, and biofunctional testing, the work aims to contribute to a systematic framework for designing next-generation materials with controlled bioactivity." (Source: Stephan Barcikowski, Christoph Rehbock)