Jellyfish-collagen hydrogels for culture and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and 3D cartilage bioprinting
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: School of Biological Sciences
Abstract
The project aligns with the DTP theme of Industrial Biotechnology. BBSRC defines industrial biotechnology as the use of biological resources for producing materials, pharmaceutical precursors or biopharmaceuticals. These biological resources include plants, algae, microorganisms and marine life. In this CASE studentship we will be collaborating with a company that extracts collagen from jellyfish for use as a scaffold in cell culture studies. We will investigate the suitability of a newly-developed jellyfish-derived collagen hydrogel to direct differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and later as a bioink material for 3D bioprinting. BBSRC has highlighted the need for preparing skilled people in stem cell culture and cellular-based therapies in order for the UK to remain competitive in the area of regenerative medicine. The project also meets the BBSRC requirement for multidisciplinarity, involving a supervisory team with expertise in biotechnology, cell biology, materials science and 3D bioprinting, whereas the partner company, Jellagen, brings the industrial manufacturing and processing component.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jordi Bella (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Ian Smith (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/T008725/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2449275 | Studentship | BB/T008725/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2024 | Ian Smith |
| Description | Research examining the suitability of collagen derived from jellyfish for biomedical applications has been published and is now publicly available. The characterisation of this biomaterial provides the foundation for future research on this potentially lucrative source of non-mammalian collagen. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcome of this research article being published will primarily impact other researchers of marine biomaterials and industrial ventures seeking to cultivate and market biomaterials of marine origin. Biomedical researchers who are considering using jellyfish collagen instead of traditional mammalian collagens as substrates for cell-based research models will benefit from understanding the fundamental differences between these collagens. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| URL | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/21/2/59 |