Artificial Cells
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing the lectures of the course, postgraduate students will be able to:
In terms of knowledge and understanding
- describe the foundational concepts of artificial cells, including their physiology, biotechnology, and chemistry
- explain the principles and biomedical applications of blood substitutes, immobilized enzymes, and encapsulated microorganisms and cells
- describe the principles and clinical applications of hemoperfusion and artificial kidneys
- summarise drug delivery strategies based on artificial cells and related encapsulation technologies
In terms of skills
- read and interpret current literature on artificial cells and related biomedical technologies
- compare design strategies for blood substitutes, immobilized enzymes, and encapsulated microorganisms or cells in the context of specific biomedical applications
- evaluate the strengths, limitations, and clinical considerations of hemoperfusion and artificial kidneys
- analyse case studies of artificial cells used in drug delivery and other biomedical applications
- communicate scientific information about artificial cells in oral and written form
In terms of competencies
- integrate knowledge across physiology, biotechnology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering when reasoning about artificial cells
- critically evaluate scientific literature relating to artificial cells and their biomedical applications
- make informed decisions when assessing the suitability of artificial cell technologies for specific biomedical problems
- work effectively in an interdisciplinary academic environment
- communicate scientific results and biomedical applications of artificial cells to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Module Syllabus
- Introduction to artificial cells: definition, history, scope, and overview of biomedical applications
- Physiology of artificial cells: principles of physiological compatibility relevant to artificial cell design
- Chemistry of artificial cells: membrane materials, encapsulation, and biocompatibility
- Biotechnology of artificial cells: production, characterization, and quality considerations
- Blood substitutes I: principles and overview
- Blood substitutes II: clinical considerations and current developments
- Immobilized enzymes: principles, methods, and biomedical applications
- Artificial cells based on microorganisms and cells: encapsulation strategies and biomedical applications
- Hemoperfusion: principles, devices, and clinical applications
- Artificial kidneys: dialysis principles and renal replacement strategies
- Drug delivery systems based on artificial cells I: principles and design
- Drug delivery systems based on artificial cells II: targeted and controlled release; integration and case studies
Suggested Bibliography
- Chang, T.M.S. “Artificial Cells: Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, Regenerative Medicine, Blood Substitutes, Bioencapsulation, Cell/Stem Cell Therapy”, World Scientific, 2007. ISBN: 978-981-270-576-1
- Prakash, S. (Ed.) “Artificial Cells, Cell Engineering and Therapy”, Woodhead Publishing, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-84569-036-6
- Course Lecture Notes and Slides (distributed via myCourses, McGill University’s learning management system).
Related academic journals
Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology; Biomaterials; Journal of Controlled Release; Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews; Biotechnology and Bioengineering; Annals of Biomedical Engineering.