Tissue engineering (TE) is an ever-growing multidisciplinary scientific field aiming at replacing injured, missing or damaged tissue. Current researchers in the field use different principles, knowledge and techniques from (stem) cell biology, vascular biology, medicine, biomaterials and bioengineering. Vascular and vascularized tissue engineering take prominent places within this field. The construction of blood vessels is both an independent target for replacement therapy as well as an integral part of larger constructs. A crucial challenge in obtaining large sized functional TE scaffolds (>1 milimeter in any dimensional space) is how to introduce a complex vascular tree that supplies a steady medium and blood stream for the expanding tissue to meet oxygen en nutrient demands.
This course teaches Master students’ in-depth and hands-on knowledge on developmental and adult blood vessel formation in health and disease and the current clinical treatments for which vascular(ized) TE is thought to be eligible. Moreover, we will address state of the art techniques of vascular(ized) TE, including the use of biomaterials and cell sources for bioreactor-cultured and in situ applications.

This course teaches fundamental knowledge on vascular and vascularized tissue engineering, adding significantly to the currently available curriculum concerning angiogenesis, vascular repair and remodeling, regenerative medicine and cardiovascular disease. Participants in this e-course will benefit from the flexible work hours, enabling participation parallel to writing a thesis or doing an internship abroad. This course was developed using collaborative partners leading in regenerative medicine and cardiovascular disease. Grading of this course will be based on handing in a graphical abstract (group assignment), an individual assignment and on individual participation during the course and in discussion forums.