OD9020 – Functional Surfaces for Cellular Interface
Course content
Students will explore the mechanisms and dynamics of interactions between cells and specifically designed engineered surfaces to induce specific functions, improve biocompatibility, and control interactions with cells, tissues, or biological molecules, such as the extracellular matrix proteins. Special focus will be given on biomimetics and how engineered biomaterial surfaces can be modified to influence cell behaviour, alignment, and tissue integration.
The course is centered on the functionalization of surfaces to achieve specific functions, improve biocompatibility, and control interactions with cells, tissues, or biological molecules. Additionally, students will be introduced to advanced techniques and bioactive molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and growth factors, that may regulate cellular behaviour and function.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Biofunctionalization Strategies
- Bioactive Coatings
- Biocompatibility Assessment
- Drug Delivery
- Surface Topography
- Conductive Surfaces
- Cell-Surface Interactions
- Tissue Engineering Applications
- Introduction to conductive interfaces that facilitate electrical signalling, making them suitable for applications like neural interfaces, cardiac devices, and biosensors.
Skills
The course learning outcomes will equip students with skills for the characterization of surface properties and understanding of surface modification techniques. More specifically, to
- Analyze the role of biomaterial surfaces in cellular interactions.?
- Evaluate the design criteria and selection parameters for biomaterial surfaces
- Demonstrate understanding of the core principles of designing and fabricating functional surfaces tailored to specific application requirements, such as promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation
- Apply knowledge of surface modification techniques coupled with biomaterial properties to optimize cellular responses and tissue regeneration on engineered surfaces
- Critically assess the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of biomaterials
- Synthesize experimental data and quantitative analyses to evaluate the performance of functional surfaces in supporting tissue regeneration and repair.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with translating functional surface designs from the laboratory to clinical applications in tissue engineering.
These learning outcomes aim to provide students with a concrete understanding of how biomaterial surfaces are modified, how bioactive molecules are presented to the cells, and the critical role of biofunctionalization and biomimetics in cellular interactions for tissue reconstruction.
Admission to the course
The course is open to all registered PhD students.?
Special admission requirements
No special admission requirements.?
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No mandatory prerequisites.
Recommended previous knowledge
Recommended prior knowledge for this course includes a foundational understanding of basic cell biology and cell-material interactions, as well as familiarity with surface chemistry and functionalization techniques. PhD students should also have a grasp of the basic principles of biomaterials and tissue engineering. A working knowledge of microscopy and surface characterization methods is important, along with basic exposure to nanotechnology.?
Teaching
10-week program begins with lectures in Weeks 1-2, followed by Workshop 1 in Week 3 where students finalize their essay topics. Week 4 features Lecture 3, while Week 5 combines Lecture 4 with submission of a 2,000-word first draft. Peer reviews of drafts by one peer are due in Week 6, followed by a peer review workshop in Week 7. After the holiday break, the course concludes in Week 10.
Examination
Peer review of the draft of one peer.
4,000-word essay
10-minute oral presentation.
Examination support material
To be announced.
Language of examination
All work submitted must adhere to formal academic English standards, including, discipline-appropriate terminology and flawless citation management of all sources.
Grading scale
A-F
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.