At the Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding of physiological processes through cutting-edge research and collaboration. Our team of scientists and researchers focuses on various aspects of human and animal physiology, including cellular mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and system physiology. We actively engage in national and international partnerships, sharing knowledge and expertise to promote innovation and scientific excellence. Together, we strive to contribute to the improvement of health and the quality of life, making impactful discoveries that benefit society.
The laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Rngineering is involved in tissue engineering of blood vessels, skin and connective tissues such as bone and cartilage. Within each area, we have the following three main goals:
(1) the improvement of currently used tissue substitutes, particularly through the introduction of cellular and other biological components,
(2) the development of entirely new tissue substitutes based on synthetic and nature-derived biomaterials and cells, and
(3) the creation of three-dimensional (3D) tissue models in vitro for a variety of physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological studies with the aim of replacing laboratory animals in modern science according to the 3R principle. Examples can be models of hypertrophic scar, Dupuytren's contracture, or orthopedic defect Pes equinovarus. A dislocated part of our laboratory at BIOCEV in Vestec, near Prague, focuses on the creation of tissue models based on spheroids and organoids, including the in vitro glioblastoma model.
As the cellular component of our constructs, we use differentiated cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes) or stem cells (derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow and Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord, or induced pluripotent stem cells). Cell growth, differentiation and phenotypic maturation are accelerated by mechanical stimulation in dynamic bioreactors. We are also developing 3D bioprinting of biological and synthetic matrices together with cells. We seek to introduce pre-vascularization into our tissue constructs, which is essential for the survival of the constructs after implantation and for their proper function as in vitro tissue models.