The maxillofacial region contains anatomically complex organ systems, which are located in very close neighbourhood to each other. The overall functionality of this region is ensured through the integrity of each organ system. It is possible to surgically replace lost tissue within the oro-maxillofacial region by free or locoregional flap techniques. However, all these techniques necessitate a second operation in addition to a severe impairment of neigbouring tissue such as advanced scar tissue formation and consequently dysfunction. Tissue regeneration in the oro-maxillofacial region should consider the replacment of several tissues in that region, i.e. bone, muscle, connective tissue, mucosa, fat and teeth. The replacement, regeneration of each of these tissues has to be planned with respect to the physico-chemical characteristics of the lost tissue. Reconstruction of load bearing vs. non-load bearing regions have to be exactly planned prior to reconstruction as dehiscence of the covering soft tissue might occur on the basis of insufficient soft tissue volume. 

In this symposium, the possiblities for tissue regeneration within the oro-maxillofacial are highlighed, including mucosa regeneration, fat-derived soft tissue regeneration, cartilage regeneration for replacement of the nasal septum, pulp stem cell-derived tooth regeneration and bone regeneration either for enhancement of atrophic bone regions or replacement of bone segments after their tumor-related resection. The main goal of this symposium is to bring non-clinical and clinical colleagues to one table in order to discuss the newest approaches in translational research.

Regenerative Medicine in orthopedics and traumatology has been moderately successful in entering the clinic for a number of reasons including an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of tissue repair, lack of consideration of co-morbidities that complicate healing, and poor manufacturing technology. The repair of long bone defects has been a key focus in tissue engineering leading to the development of new biomaterial scaffolds, cell based approaches and combination products, several of which have reached the clinics and are commercially available. This symposium will focus on critical aspects of bone engineering from bench to bedside, with studies addressing the characterization of the implant, the mechanisms of in vivo bone repair and successful integration and the development of manufacturing processes for combination products. Preclinical findings in animal models, together with clinical studies will highlight the challenges in the field and identify requirements leading to robust and predictable clinical outcomes.

The absence of adequate reconstructive and musculoskeletal tissue replacement solutions highlights an urgent, unmet need for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This includes stem cells, smart scaffold technology, bioreactors, growth factors and clinical know-how procedures. 

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) using both stem cells and growth factors together, or separately, in combination with suitable scaffolds, have resulted in reasonable success. Concerning cartilage and tendons, tissue engineering techniques, to date are still in a phase of preclinical and clinical trials, but are using similar techniques and mechanistic ideas as for BTE. BTE has since emerged as an alternative for fracture repair but its clinical introduction is largely hindered by a lack of adequate nutrition which is due to insufficient angiogenesis. 

Clinical complications related to impaired healing of bone tissue present some of the most significant challenges in medicine and surgery today. Existing medical devices and biomaterials are proving to be inadequate to meet these challenges, and the impact of this failure is increasing in the face of the ageing population. It is widely understood that there is a need for improved regenerative biomaterials technologies to transform the quality and consistency of bone tissue healing to provide significantly better outcomes for all patients (and in particular the over-40 and elderly populations). Preparation of tissue engineered extracellular matrix (E-ECM) capable of stimulating bone regeneration and healing via promotion of natural process associated with endochondral ossification is now technologically feasible. Hypertrophic cartilage tissue engineering therefore represents a very promising approach for the development of a regenerative therapy for bone defects, and this interdisciplinary symposium will deal with the different aspects of this new opportunity including scaffolds and cell sources.

Regenerative technologies are rapidly emerging to treat intradiscal pathologies. They vary from prevention of degeneration to filling defects after microdiscectomy and preventing reherniation. Various approaches have been developed which enlarge the treatment options of a large group of doctors (pain physicians, interventional radiologists, surgeons). Furthermore the may offer early stage treatment to prevent discogenic back pain. Only an intensive interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration will lead to success in the development of intradiscal technologies and will help to treat lumbar back pain, one of the most common diseases in the world.

Advances in medical care have greatly improved survival rate and life expectancy following trauma or degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system, leading to an ever-increasing need for functional tissue substitutes to improve quality of life. Tendon and ligament injuries constitute the most common musculoskeletal disorders that clinicians address daily. Indeed, from over 33 million musculoskeletal injuries per year in United States alone; almost 50% of them are tendon and ligament related with approximately 95,000 new cases per year. 

As tendons have limited regeneration capacity, suitable substitutes are required for regeneration and functional recovery. Surgical repairs are still suboptimal due to fibrous adhesions or failure arising from the mechanical demands placed on imperfect integrative healing at tendon-tendon or tendon-bone interfaces. Therefore, to develop strategies for functional tendon regeneration is of paramount importance. However, in order to be able to imitate nature, we need to understand how the tissue forms and behaves in vivo under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Upon this knowledge, we will be able to develop strategies that will encourage scaffold interaction with extracellular matrix components, growth factors, cells and cell surface receptors and identify suitable bioactive and therapeutic molecules that should be incorporated into the 3D construct that will positively interact with the host and promote functional regeneration. This symposium will discuss current tissue engineering strategies that improve tendon regeneration and functional recovery by using recent advancements in material optimisation, cell biology and scaffold functionalisation through incorporation of biophysical cues and biochemical and biological signals.

The cartilage of various skeletal structures provides mechanical support with appropriate shape and size. Some cartilage, such as that of the nose and ear, have substantial portions distant from bone. Others, such as meniscus, TMJ disc, and labrum, have a fibrous structure with more substantial portions attached to bone. Still others form the fibrocartilaginous interface between bone and tendon, and between bone and ligament. And finally, the articular cartilage of synovial joints and the intervertebral disc between vertebrae cover large areas of bone. In addition, cartilage has specialized interface regions, ranging from the lubricated articular cartilage surface to calcified cartilage which mediates attachment to subchondral bone. The relationship between cartilage and bone distinguishes between structures with various levels of stability, increasing from the ear, nose, ribs, articular cartilage, and intervertebral disc. Each of these types of cartilage has specialized biomechanical functions and biological designs, with specialized cells and extracellular matrices. A variety of maladies, from development to aging-associated and including injury, provides strong impetus for restorative therapies through tissue

Cartilage is one of the important areas of tissue engineering research and applications. As cells, scaffold and microenvironment are the major components of tissue engineering, this symposium also contains the presentations mainly covering these three areas. In seed cell aspect, chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and ASCs as well as chondrocyte dedifferentiation and redifferentiation and microcarrier based cell expansion are covered. In scaffold aspect, design and manufacture of scaffold with different components and structures are reported. Additionally scaffold modification as well as cell-scaffold interaction are reported. Furthermore, bioreactor, and in vivo model of articular cartilage repair are also the subjects.

New strategies for peripheral nerve repairs are needed, as current therapies do not result in optimal functional recovery. This session will describe cutting-edge research in the field of peripheral nerve repair. Included will be stem cell therapies, Schwann cell therapies, controlled drug delivery, and tissue engineering approaches.

This Symposium highlights new developments in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration and repair. Compared to central axonal tracts peripheral nerves exhibit a strong regenerative capacity following traumatic injuries. However, even in situations of satisfactory physical contact between the nerve stumps, axonal sprouting and aberrant axon growth hinder functionally correct pathfinding. These events frequently cause delayed and inappropriate reinnervation of target tissues. We discuss the pathophysiology and intrinsic mechanisms of axonal regeneration and present the fast growing field of peripheral nerve tissue engineering covering transplantation strategies, biological conduits and pharmacological aspects.

This symposium will focus on state-of-the-art neuroreconstruction strategies applied to preclinical spinal cord trauma models. Experts in the fields of bioengineering and neuroscience will present a selection of successful novel approaches ranging from neural progenitor, stem cell transplantation, various biopolymer and nanofibre implants to functionalized guided nerve conduits. The approaches discussed comprise potential translational strategies for the treatment of acute, sub-acute and chronic spinal cord injuries, respectively.

Wings for Life, a private research funding foundation, supports and finances peer reviewed, promising research projects worldwide to promote basic and clinical research related to spinal cord injury. The vision of Wings for Life is that “Spinal cord injury must become curable”. In the past two decades there was a remarkable progress in basic science reporting encouraging pre-clinical approaches for a better SCI treatment in the future. Most data suggest that no single therapy will be sufficient to overcome all the biological complications caused by SCI.

In this session cell based and combinatorial approaches for a treatment for spinal cord injury will be presented. The speakers will present different approaches and point out rationales for therapeutic use of cell based interventions including replacement of damaged cells, secretion of tropic factors, and modification of scar formation, enhancement of remyelination and axon elongation.

Skin is a large, exposed organ with a complex architecture that rarely regenerates in adults after deep injury. Many innovations in biological and synthetic scaffolds have been merged with a growing appreciation of cell differentiation to provide potential therapeutic devices for restoration of skin integrity and function. Temporary scaffolds can be used to attract or transport the appropriate cell populations to sites of injury, and these biomaterials may be able to deliver biologically active signals or create an instructive mechanical environment. Resident and circulating cell populations can interact with biomaterials to restore both barrier function and mechanical integrity, but changing concepts in cell differentiation and plasticity have opened up many opportunities for both autologous and allogeneic administration of cells or cell constructs for tissue repair. Although burns and some genetic disorders require engraftment and hence histocompatibility, allogenic, multipotential cells can also exert effector functions that augment resident cell activity.

This symposium is an attempt to present an overview of an FP7 HEALTH project, designated “EuroSkinGraft” that aims at the production of novel, bio-engineered skin grafts, which are to be applied in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

Two different autologous, bio-engineered skin grafts and an acellular, off the shelf skin substitution product, were designed to serve specific purposes in plastic skin surgery. All three products are intended to be applied in one surgical intervention.

The speakers in this session will report: a surgeon’s point of view concerning the project (2nd key note), the experiences made in previous, related clinical trials, the science that preceded the development of the skin grafts, on how a lab tries to analyze and evaluate the quality of the skin grafts prior and after transplantation, a companie’s point of view, which is involved in the project, on how a Clinical Trial Center experiences regulatory and other aspects of the project

By presenting this global sight of the project, the organizers hope to initiate a stimulating and fruitful discussion about the approach in general, and the undertaking of this type of clinical trial in Europe in particular.

This symposium will highlight the basic and translational research germane to the novel approaches to regeneration of cardiac muscle. Our particular focus will be on the application of stem and progenitor cells, development and evaluation of injectable biomaterials as well as tissue engineering approaches. We encourage the presentation of tissue engineering studies focused on the development of 3D model systems as well as those with in vivo components, overcoming key limitations in cell injection and tissue engineering (e.g. cell survival and vascularization), the use of engineered tissues in fundamental biological research (e.g., to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell differentiation), and clinical research (e.g., disease models, drug screening). Our overall goal is to identify the critical limitations in cardiac tissue engineering research and formulate strategies that can be used to overcome these limitations in bring the tissue engineered products closer to the clinical practice. We will explore the vision that the principles derived from developmental biology will guide the tissue engineering of functional tissue grafts that can be used clinically, and that engineered tissues will be increasingly used as high-fidelity models to study cell responses to genetic and environmental factors, organogenesis, or disease progression.

The fate of a tissue engineered construct is defined by the cell sort, the scafold material used and the signals, which are either biochemical or biomechanical. The session "heart valve generation" deals with all this topic: (1) innovative natural and synthetic biomaterials as scaffolds, (2) alternative cell sources, (3) improved production technologies and signals with regard to (4) different coatings and (5) biomechanical stimuli. 

Tissue Engineering of skeletal muscle remains a major challenge, which may once solve clinical problems such as localized congenital muscle defects, systemic muscle deseases or acquired loss of skeletal muscle tissue. Skeletal muscle tissue is composed of multinuclear syncytia termed myotubes, which are generated by fusion of mononuclear myoblasts (during organogenesis) or satellite cells, respectively (during muscle regeneration in the adult organism). Several approaches have been developed in this relatively young field of Tissue Engineering in order to mimick this processes in vitro and in vivo, aiming at (re-)generation of differentiated skeletal muscle tissue. In this symposium newest developments in the field of skeletal muscle Tissue Engineering will be presented and discussed, including the application of mesenchymal stem and muscle precursor cells, innovative scaffolds, means of myogenic differentiation induction, novel in vivo applications and finally possible translations into clinics.

This combined symposium deals with several aspects of organ tissue engineering for type 1 diabetes and liver regeneration. Bioartificial Pancreas. Currently, there are several therapies available to manage blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes patients, like regular insulin injections or automated insulin pumps. Another relatively new approach is the infusion of allogeneïc Islets of Langerhans isolated from donor pancreas, according to the so-called "Edmonton protocol" into the portal vein of the liver. Although promising the latter therapy has still some drawbacks, approximately 80% of the transplanted islets are lost during or within a few days after transplantation. 

As a result on average 3 donor pancreases are needed to treat a single patient, with the current organ donor shortages it is not hard to imagine that better alternatives are needed. Many different groups world-wide are working on tissue engineering and biomaterial based strategies in relation to type 1 diabetes to tackle the abovementioned problem. Hydrogels are investigated as encapsulation method, a “stealth mechanism”, to protect Islets from immune rejection. Different scaffold designs or cartridge like implants are being developed to more efficiently transplant islets extra-hepatically. The incorporation of biomolecules into polymers or hydrogels has been shown to be very beneficial for neovascularization, islets survival and insulin secretion by several authors. The different tissue engineering strategies mentioned above are all aiming for the possibility to transplant Islets of Langerhans in a more efficient manner. 

Tissue engineering could help overcome the rather inefficient way of transplanting islets in the liver of type 1 diabetes patients, by combining immunoprotection mechanisms, the use of biofunctionalization to generate bioactive scaffolds for fast bloodvessel ingrowth and islet survival, as well as providing islets with a protective environment for extra hepatic implantation.. Liver.The liver is the only organ that can fully regenerate after injury. This is of major importance after resection of liver tissue in patients with tumors and after liver damage by various other insults. Rapid and effective hepatic regeneration is essential due to the critical and indispensable function of this organ. However, the regenerative capacity is insufficient after very severe and, or chronic injury, e.g. after chronic alcohol consumption. 

Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to improve the regenerative capacity of the liver. This requires a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the liver regeneration process after different insults. In addition, in requires the development of novel treatment strategies, including application of growth factors, stem cell therapy, or development of microtissue constructs with innovative biomaterials. The symposium will cover all aspects of liver regeneration, ranging from basic mechanisms underlying the regenerative process to therapeutic approaches. Contributions addressing growth control of hepatocytes in 2D and 3D culture systems will also be of interest. 

The Urogenital Tract Symposium focuses on the use of several novel sources of somatic stem cell populations for regenerating various organs of the urogenital tract. Incontinence is a very common and disabling symptom of urogential organ failure, affecting large numbers of men, women and children at different stages of the life cycle. Cell types featured in this symposium include amniotic-derived cells, endometrial MSC, muscle precursor cells and primary renal cells as autologous cell-based therapies for tissue engineering applications to regenerate the bladder, prolapsed vaginal tissues, urinary sphincter and kidney. This symposium will explore the latest developments in tissue engineering replacement organs and tissues of the urogenital tract. 

Both malignant and benign disorders affecting the thorax can be surgically resected but majority have an inoperable size at the time of diagnosis. Due to a lack of reconstructive tissue and optimal solutions, new therapeutic options are needed. Recently, tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative approaches demonstrated their great potential in both experimental and clinical conditions with respect to several different complex tissues, such as the trachea, urinary bladder, blood vessels, cartilage, skin and heart valves. The discovery of novel mechanisms and technologies will get us one step closer to routine clinical application.

The eye is becoming a significant focus for advances in translational research. The symposium aims to highlight these, with keynote lectures and posters addressing tissue-engineering (TE) approaches for the cornea and retina. Corneal disease can often be successfully treated by allogeneic corneal transplantation, yet supply shortage through human donor eye banks, optical clarity or graft rejection remain major challenges. Corneal TE nowadays encompasses scaffolds for stromal and endothelial transplants, optical transparency or in vivo biocompatibility studies. New cell-based therapies are emerging to repair or replace specific cells within the retina. These techniques are at the forefront of human stem cell research and gene therapy with several phase 1, 2 clinical trials currently underway. They offer substantial hope for treating numerous retinal diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration.

A clinical shelf-ready small-calibre vascular prosthesis is still a quest. Research in Vascular Tissue Engineering (VTE) is fast-growing and may represent a good option. Challenges range from 3D architecture, mechanical characteristics, compliance, biocompatibility, thrombogenicity, growth potential, degradation and tissue regeneration (specific cells, ECM and angiogenesis) to biologically induced long-TERM alterations such as occlusions, aneurysms, intimal hyperplasia and calcification. Several VTE methods have shown promising results:in vivo VTE using degradable synthetic, natural or decellularised 3D scaffolds with, without growth factors;in vitro VTE using the above scaffolds seeded with autologous or allogenic cells matured in a bioreactor; in vitro cell sheet technologies;organ printing of scaffolds with living cells. Our studies using synthetic biodegradable micro, nanofibre electrospun 3D porous polycaprolactone scaffolds have shown superior results to the clinically used ePTFE in the rat aortic replacement model at 1.5,3,6,12 and 18 months with regard to patency, compliance, endothelialisation, cell invasion, ECM, angiogenesis, intimal hyperplasia and calcification. Some of the above cell, bioreactor-based methods have already been introduced in clinical protocols but are cost and labour intensive. Therefore biodegradable synthetic 3D scaffolds using the body as a bioreactor may be an easier, cheaper and clinically widely usable method for future cardiovascular applications.

Defects of auricular and nasal cartilage being congenital or caused by trauma can lead to severe psychosocial problems in affected patients. For these reasons, successful surgical reconstruction of such auricular and nasal defects is of utmost concern. Cartilage is a tissue with a limited capacity for self-repair due to its avascular nature and sparse distribution of highly differentiated cells. Tremendous development in the fields of biomaterials and cell biology is getting us closer to the realization of Vacanti’s vision of regenerating ears. This symposium brings the current trends of novel biomaterials used for cartilage tissue engineering in the head and neck region, and novel methods for production of patient-specific scaffolds. This symposium will also review how cell source determine the biochemical properties of neocartilage and highlight the important role of use of stem cells.

The International Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Society (IVRMS) was founded to drive this field forward, and to facilitate cooperation between veterinary scientists and interdisciplinary cooperations. Regenerative medicine has gained considerable popularity in recent years within the veterinary community primarily because of its applicability to a number of common naturally occurring diseases in domestic mammals many of which also constitute a considerable problem in human medicine. Compared to human medicine however, the relative ease at which products have been translated commercially into the veterinary clinic have already allowed several regenerative medicine approaches to become clinical routine in veterinary practice. As an example, equine tendon injuries are now routinely treated using mesenchymal stem cells. Experience gained from veterinary patients however, is not necessarily exclusively beneficial for veterinary patients but may also serve as valuable preclinical data for later applications in human patients. The purpose of the session is to give an overview on the progress of regenerative medicine in the veterinary field with implication potential for later applications in humans.

Silk fibroin and fibroin derived materials have acquired increasing relevance in the last years for several application in biomedicine and namely for tissue engineering applications. The material has been proved to display unique biological properties in terms of ability to host cells and to promote ECM production while providing the required mechanical support fro load bearing applications. The number of patents and papers dealing with silk and its application has exponentially grown in the years, and nowadays numerous research groups in the world are active in the field with applications that in some cases are close to reach the clinical trial. Mechanisms of interactions between fibroin and cells have been proposed, novel processing techniques have been introduced, and new applications have been studied. Moreover, silks from different sources are investigated, possessing specific biorecognition moieties that are claimed to induce better biological crosstalk with the cellular environment.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It makes about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Collagen is found in skin, bone, cartilage, ligament, blood vessels, etc. It is secreted mainly by fibroblasts. It has been used over the years to engineer various tissue engineering products including skin equivalents, blood vessels, etc. The Collagen Technologies symposia and posters describe the full range of collagen characteristics, functions and its use in making tissue engineering products.

The concept of tissue engineering for regenerative medicine usually requires a multicomponent strategy including the application of biomaterials and cells. It has been shown that matrix mimicking the in vivo environment of the target tissue, including composition, organization, texture and mechanical properties is crucial for the behavior of the cells, to migrate, survive and take up their natural functions in the specific tissue. Cells and matrix originating for natural sources in particular human placenta and amnion should hence be able to fulfill these criteria and are promising candidates to stimulate the regeneration of tissues. This session evaluates the suitability of these biomaterials processed from natural extracellular matrix and primary human cells including stem cells to promote processes of wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Natural Derived Polysaccharides and its composites have an enormous potential in the context of regenerative medicine. This versatile class of materials includes different polysaccharides (starch, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chitin, alginate), being amongst the most promising for developing engineered systems with enhanced biological performance. The innovative use of its characteristics, taking advantage of the similar structure and composition with respect to native tissues and its extra-cellular matrix, enables designing high performance systems with excellent biocompatibility and fine tuned biodegradability and bioactivity. Those biomaterials can also find applications in cell based therapies or drug delivery systems and be used to design smart, active,  , adaptative biological systems with highly innovative properties. Those high end applications require increasingly complex and demanding architectures and properties. Furthermore, the processing and characterization of natural derived materials often have specific requirements and limitations as compared with other biomaterials groups.Natural Derived Polysaccharides and its composites have an enormous potential in the context of regenerative medicine. This versatile class of materials includes different polysaccharides (starch, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chitin, alginate), being amongst the most promising for developing engineered systems with enhanced biological performance. The innovative use of its characteristics, taking advantage of the similar structure and composition with respect to native tissues and its extra-cellular matrix, enables designing high performance systems with excellent biocompatibility and fine tuned biodegradability and bioactivity. Those biomaterials can also find applications in cell based therapies or drug delivery systems and be used to design smart, active,  , adaptative biological systems with highly innovative properties. Those high end applications require increasingly complex and demanding architectures and properties. Furthermore, the processing and characterization of natural derived materials often have specific requirements and limitations as compared with other biomaterials groups. This symposium aims at being the premium forum to present and discuss cutting edge research and new developments in which natural derived polysaccharides are explored. 

This symposium invites contributions on hyaluronan (HA) and its use in tissue engineering. HA plays an important role in organizing the extracellular matrix and maintaining its water-balance, and it acts as lubrication in the joints. In addition, HA is involved in regulating cell adhesion and motility, and in mediating cell proliferation and differentiation. Unlike other glycosaminoglycans, the primary structure of HA is identical regardless of source or species, and only the degree of polymerization varies. This feature, along with its unique viscoelastic and physiochemical properties, has lead to the development of numerous HA based medical products. Today highly pure HA is available in a wide range of molecular weights at relatively low costs. However, due to the short turnover rate and limited mechanical properties of native HA solutions, chemical modifications are required to obtain stable hydrogels with prolonged in vivo residence times suitable for use in tissue engineering.

The extracellular matrix of biological tissues, in addition to providing structural support, plays a central role in controlling cell migration, adhesion, differentiation, maturation, growth factor modulation, maintenance of matrix integrity, and diffusion of biomolecules. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix controls the extent of cell-cell interactions and the differentiation of progenitor cells into multiple lineages. Synthetic macromolecules provide flexibility in the design of biomaterials with a wide range of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Biologically-derived materials and peptides corresponding to their active domains produce structures with properties at multiple length scales with biological specificity. Bioinspiration can potentially produce materials, structures, processes, and technologies that mimic the complexity of natural tissues, possessing biological specificity as well as engineering properties. This symposium will focus on materials, structures, processes, and fabrication technologies inspired by nature and their application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to control cell microenvironment and fate, and guide tissue formation.

Biomaterials are key elements in regenerative medicine, beside cells and signalling molecules: they allow or inhibit the attachment or integration of specific cells, they can deliver drugs and mediators or can guide regeneration processes within the patients’ body. For these purposes new and functionalized materials with specific properties are under development. ,e.g. materials offering niches for stem cells and influencing their differentiation or materials delivering mediators on a specific signal from the surrounding tissues or only in a defined cell type. In some areas, e.g. the treatment of burned wounds, the former therapy with cultivated cells is today often replaced by a treatment with highly specific biomaterials giving even better results. The symposium will focus on some characteristics that can be achieved by designing appropriate biomaterials and on methods to prove functionality and safety. The symposium is organized together with the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) 

This session will be intensively advertised to several Korean Society for Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell, Pharmaceutics as well as Medicine.

This symposium is focused in multi-scale hierarchical scaffolds and self assembled systems developed for connective tissues. We aim at creating an excellent forum for the debate of the cutting edge research on multi-scale technologies applied to the development of new, smarter and super effective scaffolds able to overcome clinically-oriented unsolved problems in the area of connective tissues. The topics covered in the symposium will span from well established scaffold processing technologies to the elegant new technologies involving self assembling aimed at maximizing the efficacy of co-cultures of cells combining controlled and sustainable release of drugs and bioactive molecules, with surfaces optimized to generate specific biological functionality and mimicking the structural and biochemical features of the native extra-cellular matrix of connective tissues. This forum will unfold the unique properties of biomaterials across scales and the opportunities derived from the control of its structure and surfaces. Namely, the possibility to design scaffolds mimicking closely the motifs of the extra-cellular matrix or interacting with this milieu at the same length scale will enable tailoring the scaffolds to maximize its efficacy when in contact both with biological fluids and with relevant cell populations both in-vitro and in-vivo. 

Cell behaviour, including polarization, shape migration, gene expression and cell signalling, is highly dependent on topographic cues existing on the surface of biomaterials. This symposium intends to contribute to the discussion on which are the key factors of the structural surface organization on specific cell response that could contribute for the better understanding of generic surface, cells interactions and in the production of more performant devices for tissue engineering applications. Besides the conventional regular groove-ridge or pillar topographies, recent technologies have permitted to produce more complex surface motifs at different length scales, including topography with hierarchical organization, using materials with a wide range of physico-chemical and mechanical properties. Future challenges will also include the translation of the information obtained in 2D models into 3D structures with controlled topographies that could mimic more efficiently the in vivo environment.

Mechanical forces play an important role in tissue development, as well as during tissue homeostasis and healing. This symposium will focus on the role of mechanotransduction in the engineering of various tissues. Topics to be covered will include mechanical loading in both in vitro and in vivo settings, as well as understanding the role of scaffold mechanics at the cell and material interface. The role that mechanotransduction plays in controlling cellular behavior, including matrix elaboration and distribution, as well as stem cell differentiation will be covered.

Tissue assembly, patterning, and maturation occurs with tremendous rapidity during embryonic development. The engineering principles that guide these processes can be powerful new avenues for advancing tissue engineering technology. This session focuses on two complementary themes: 1) How tissue engineering can be used to help explain mechanisms of tissue assembly, patterning, and 2) How developmental biology principles can help enhance, direct, or accelerate tissue engineering strategy. Relevant topics include: using developmentally inspired signaling (mechanical and, or chemical) for directing stem cells towards a collection of fates or patterns, engineering 3D organ, tissue systems of a child or younger age, designing developmentally inspired bioreactor conditions to accelerate the development, maturation of a tissue engineered construct, or using engineered 3D in vitro model systems to uncover mechanisms of tissue developmental processes.

Considerable achievements in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have been posing human Embryonic Stem cells (hESCs) as the ultimate cell source for tissue repair. Nonetheless, questions regarding the mechanisms that control pluripotent stem cell fate and function are still posed and need further understanding to fully utilize the potential of these cells. 

This symposium intends to bring into discussion innovative integrated strategies that permit to differentiate and expand ex vivo hESCs, and tissue engineering technologies to support donor cell survival and subsequent proliferation in the host microenvironment. Genetic manipulation of intrinsic factors during differentiation or presentation of cell growth-enhancing factor(s) using biomaterials-based systems comprise prospective approaches that are being studied to induce terminally differentiated cells from hESCs and will be considered. Works that aim at clarifying the uncertainty of how controlled are these differentiation and maturation mechanisms, as well as the role of the host microenvironment or niche in the in vivo regulation and regeneration capacity of those cells will be valued. 

Human iPS represent a source of cells exhibiting pluripotent stem cell characteristics alike human embryonic stem cells. However, since these cells are generated by nuclear reprogramming normal somatic cells in vitro via introduction of specific transcription factors, they are ethically uncontroversial. These cells are excellent models to study human diseases and in theory, they could be generated from a patient’s cells and after manipulation (e.g. gene therapy) these autologous therapeutic cells could be re-introduced into the body. To fulfill these promises, the many roads to iPS will need to be cleared especially in terms of efficiency and safety. This session presents current strategies to improve the processes from the generation to the application of iPS in the field of tissue engineering.

Mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells from adipose tissue hold great promise for several therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. On bedside they are mainly used in the treatment of ischemia, myocardial infarction, rheumatoid artritis and graft versus host disease. Now its regenerative properties are also applied in maxillary bone augmentation with calcium phosphate scaffolds. Beside its differentiation potential in the osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineage they can in addition be directed into the endocrine pancreatic lineage. In primary cilia, lineage specification may also be influenced by cilium architecture. Adipose derived stem cells are involved in ageing and are also applied in the treatment of grafted burn wound healing, where they may have great efficiency.

Stem cells from adipose tissue have besides its differentiation capacity immunosuppressive and tropic functions. In this symposium the influence of several media and supplements including xeno-free platelet lysate as well as physical stimulation on stemness, growth, differentiation and 3D-culture of adipose derived stem cells are discussed. Advances in tissue engineering strategies for the induction of differentiation, different scaffold materials for reconstruction and their biocompatibility are presented. An important aspect is the influence of the extracellular matrix on the behavior and physiology of implanted stem cells. In addition new rapid methods are developed to enrich therapeutic numbers of stem cells from fat tissue. The reconstruction of the breast and autologous cell therapy with new fat tissue products show translational applications in adipose-derived stem cell therapy.

Intensive research in academic institutions and small and medium sized enterprises tries to bridge the gap from bench to bedside by using mesenychmal cells for the treatment of degenerative conditions or trauma. The International Society for Cellular Therapy, which fosters applied research in this field, and TERMIS have joined forces to present to you an overview on the latest developments in the generation and application of mesenychmal cells for tissue repair and immunomodulation. Two keynote lectures will focus on: (a) the challenges and ways to optimize culture conditions for mesenchymal cells including transdifferentiation; and (b) the safety aspects of clinical application of chondrocytes including genetic studies. Spotlight presentations will highlight recent developments to address neurological trauma via cellular therapy, to apply mesenchymal cells for immunomodulation and how to tackle the issue of controlled cell delivery.

The tissue-specific niche that stem cells occupy is critical for their function as it regulates the delicate balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. The in vitro or in vivo control of stem cell fate through manipulation of niche signals is a promising avenue to exploit stem cells for tissue engineering. This symposium will highlight recent progress at the interface of biomaterials research and stem cell biology. Engineered stem cell microenvironments will be discussed that serve as in vitro model systems to gain fundamental insight into stem cell regulation, as well as matrices or devices for the controlled in vitro and in vivo manipulation of stem cells for tissue engineering.

This session will present the latest research of those key opinion leaders working on “bystander role” of stem cells and secretome based regenerative medicine. Presentations will be like "Cell therapy after myocardial infarction: do we need cells" and all authors will present their current in vivo and vitro mechanistic data derived from secretomes. 

REMEDIC is a Research Networking Programme funded by the European Science Foundation. One of the central aims of REMEDIC is to facilitate the exchange of ideas across disciplines in the regenerative medicine area. During recent years there has been considerable controversy as to the mechanism of action of cell therapies employing pluripotent adult stem cells. This symposium brings together leading experts in the field of regenerative medicine to discuss the latest developments in this current hot topic in stem cell biology.

Although a number of enabling technologies are currently available to facilitate gene transfer for a variety of potential medical applications, many clinical or trials-based strategies exploit viral vector systems. In addition to covering novel emerging viral approaches, this session seeks to explore alternative emerging gene transfer methodologies aimed at exploiting gene-based therapeutic strategies in tissue engineering.

A gene-activated matrix is a biomaterial with embedded gene vectors that will genetically modify cells embedded in the matrix. GAM offer the unique opportunity to produce modules that self-adapt to the biological environment and that potentially can be independently addressed with endogenous biological and exogenous physical or pharmacological stimuli, resulting in a temporally and spatially coordinated growth factor gene expression pattern. This reproduces, within the matrix, key elements of natural tissue formation. 

This symposium deals with different aspects of GAM, ranging from evaluation of a variety of scaffolds and hydrogels in combination with different gene vectors including siRNA to allow for spatial and temporal influence on colonizing (stem) cells. Mechanisms of either maintaining stem cell character, while genetically modifying embryonic stem cells, iPS or directing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells are being discussed. Diverse applications are being addressed including bone, cartilage and liver regeneration and wound healing. 

Engraftment, differentiated function and long-term viability of thick three-dimensional engineered tissue constructs is a major challenge. Addressing it requires development of vessel-like networks that will allow the survival of the construct in vitro and its integration in vivo owing to improved angiogenesis directly after implantation. The session will include discussion on surgical implantation strategies allowing various in vivo models for induction of angiogenesis, embodiment of angiogenesis growth factors in polymeric scaffolds for prolonged release, preforming vascular networks in vitro either by cell self-assembly or by use of microfabrication methods for creating designed channels. In addition to the technical approaches, the biology of endothelial cells derived from different sources will be discussed. The session will also highlight interdisciplinary approaches aiming on combination of optimized (micro)surgical implantation modalities and innovative tissue engineering strategies with a perspective of readily transplantable bioartificial tissues for large volume applications.

Vascularization continues to represent a major challenge in the successful implementation of regenerative strategies. Basically there are two principle sources which can contribute, namely neovessel formation from pre-existing microvasculature (angiogenesis) and the recruitment of circulating progenitor cells to the regenerative niche (vasculogenesis). Current approaches for inducing vascularization in vivo includes pre-forming a vasculature ex vivo with subsequent inosculation following implantation, and the use of a variety of strategies to stimulate vascularization in situ. Among the latter possibilities are delivery of proangiogenic growth factors or their respective genes in a suitable carrier and release system, such as a biodegradable biomaterial. This symposium will cover the spectrum of approaches and their proof of concept with the help of relevant in vitro and in vivo methodologies.

Bioengineering of a functional tissue or organ, by seeding living cells onto a biodegradable scaffold and then surgically implanting the construct into a patient, involves extensive remodelling of cells and scaffolds. A major barrier to progress has been the inability to monitor this dynamic complex biological process in real-time and with non-destructive methods. In this regard, significant advances have already been made with a variety of imaging technologies, but the full potential of these technologies to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been realized. The overall goal of this symposium is to describe and present new imaging technology innovations for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Several imaging technologies have already been applied for tissue engineering including: MRI, In vitro and in vivo fluorescent imaging, Optical Molecular Imaging, PET, X-ray, CT, Etc. The overall importance is related to the expectation that these critical enabling technologies will have a major and lasting impact on many areas, aspects of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

X-rays have a considerable penetration power and they have been used for hundred years in medical imaging. In recent years, there was a considerable progress in resolution and in the information content of x-ray images. Synchrotron radiation provides coherent and brilliant beams allowing a new quality of imaging with high resolution (down to the nanometer range), and new types of contrast. Even x-ray imaging and micro-tomography with conventional laboratory sources have seen a tremendous improvement, due to more brilliant generators and to powerful reconstruction algorithms. Not all these new methodologies have yet found their way into applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This symposium aims at bringing together experts in x-ray imaging and tomography with users in the area of tissue engineering in order to discuss the growing potential of these approaches. Topics will include: x-ray microtomography, coherent x-ray imaging, ptychography, phase-contrast x-ray tomography, soft x-ray imaging, x-ray dark-field imaging, scanning small-angle x-ray scattering, scanning x-ray diffraction and spectroscopy and other approaches in tissue engineering related to x-ray based imaging.

Controlled drug release technologies lie at the interface between pharamceutical sciences and regenerative medicine. There are many clinical and commercial opportunities that arise if the regenerative potential of protein and small drug molecules can be harnessed by controlling the location and rate of presentation within the body. There are numerous examples of successful controlled release technologies in current pharmaceutical products and many sophisicated approaches could be employed in regenerative medicine. This symposium will explore the opportunities for new an existing technologies to deliver molecules with precise control of the duration and location of activity.

This symposium deals with on studies that involve the design and utilization of bioreactors for cultivation of human and animal cells and engineering of functional tissues for translational research. The areas of interest include, but are not limited to: (1) engineering of tissue constructs for implantation, using stem, progenitor, differentiated cells, alone or in conjunction with biomaterial scaffolds, (2) studies of disease using bioreactors with cell aggregates or engineered tissues, and (3) studies of stem cells, including directed differentiation, expansion and characterization of differentiation capacity. We welcome abstracts reporting innovative bioreactor systems with application of biophysical factors – hydrodynamic, mechanical, electrical – in stem cell and tissue engineering research, and the design and utilization of bioreactor platforms for high throughput screening. Another area of great interest are bioreactor systems that can be interfaced with on-line imaging and analytical methods. The session will be open to high-quality abstracts from all areas of fundamental and applicative research and technology development that can advance and facilitate translation of tissue engineering research into clinical applications. We expect an exciting and interactive session that will be of interest to a broad interdisciplinary community of bioengineers, stem cell biologists, clinicians and experts from industry.

Bioreactor cultivation of three-dimensional tissue constructs allows controlled culture conditions to support tissue growth, to maintain tissue vitality and to induce and sustain tissue differentiation. In order to achieve reproducible culture conditions and results the cultivation process needs to be continuously supervised. Control units and sensor systems enable monitoring of tissue growth and provide data for establishing reproducible culture protocols and procedures. The challenges of automatization of these processes lie in the transfer of biological reactions with high variability into standardized and harmonized procedures for high-throughpout tissue generation. This session will cover the problems and challenges arising when manually-controlled individualized culture processes are transferred into reproducible and automatized cultivation procedures for Tissue Engineering. Furthermore there will be special emphasis on effects of dynamic cell cultures.

One of the biggest challenges in translational research for clinical and therapeutic applications is the lack of good model systems in the drug discovery process, in toxicity studies and for the development of human-based systems. The limitations of animal models are well known and current screening technologies are based mostly on single cell systems. The field of in vitro tissue engineering has been proposed as an alternative for animal models for the next generation of high-information content screens and groups have been developing functional in vitro test beds utilizing both animal and human cells. Tissue constructs based upon cardiac function, neuronal circuits, muscle action, liver function and others based on sub-systems from mammals are being developed for research purposes as well as commercial systems. One future aim of this research is to create these model systems from iPSCs derived from stem cells or immortalized cells that recapitulate normal function, but also that of diseased and injured tissues. This session will specifically address the state-of-the-art in the field of functional in vitro systems based on the preceding topics.

This session covers technological aspects regarding fabrication of 3D-scaffolds as well as the development of suitable biomaterials for scaffold fabrication. A special focus is put on additive manufacturing techniques and techniques for cell culture in 3D. New methods, which allow the processing of biomaterials in the presence of living cells will also be covered.

Global demand for meat is projected to increase 57% by 2050. The efficiency of meat produced and harvested from farmed animals is limited by greater resource production requirements relative to other staple agricultural commodities. To increase the efficiency of meat production in a humane manner while reducing associated environmental impacts, we introduce scalable methods for the cultivation of meat, in vitro. In vitro meat is cultivated from stem cells of agriculturally important animal species within an edible matrix. Animal-derived component-free nutrient media are formulated to support cellular self-renewal, differentiation into edible lineages, and tissue maturation in commercial-scale bioreactors. Tissue engineered nutrition enables the preparation of novel tissue compositions customized to suit the taste, nutrient and conscientious production preferences of the consumer without the limitations of animal-based production systems.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is currently gold standard in concrement disintegration (lithotripsy) and attains increasingly interest in multiple other pathologies such as non unions, tendinopathies, and wound healing disturbances. Interestingly, clinical experiences show rather a regeneration then a repair of affected structures. This regenerative potential was already shown in various experimental studies. Primarily based on a mechanical model, recent research work favor mechanotransduction as the pivotal mechanism of ESWT. This symposium will focus on the current knowledge and new advances of ESWT in regenerative medicine.

Traditional approaches to culture cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications rely on cell seeding and expansion in two-dimensional (2D) dishes or flasks. Although these culture tools have helped us to advance our understanding on a number of different biological phenomena occurring in a single cell and among different cell populations, they poorly represent the milieu where cells normally fulfill their activities and functions in vivo. This results in a poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo findings, thus making the translation of regenerative strategies from the laboratory to pre-clinical and clinical settings a perilous journey. To address these challenges, different biofabrication technologies are increasingly applied to generate 3D cell culture systems that may replicate the mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of in vivo native environments. In the context of the Biofabrication thematic group, we will stimulate discussion on recent efforts to apply biofabrication technologies, 3D culture systems and high through put screening. for tissue formation and development. 

The performance of engineered tissue depends on several factors like biological and structural properties of biomaterials that are used as a cell carrier. For musculoskeletal tissues, in particular, the mechanical properties of scaffolds for tissue engineering and their biomechanical behaviour are of major importance for an appropriate function. Such scaffolds should meet the biomechanical properties of the target tissue. Therefore biomechanical testing and modelling is prerequisite to evaluate and predict the in vitro and in vivo performance of biomaterials used for tissue engineering. A keynote held by Dr. Lutz Dürselen (University of Ulm, President of the German Society of Biomechanics) will lead into this topic using the example of meniscus tissue engineering elucidating the importance of the mechanical properties for this particular tissue engineering application. This ESB joint session is dealing with on computer modelling of engineered tissue and biomechanical aspects of bone, cartilage and ligament tissue engineering.

The development of regenerative medicine therapies will be facilitated by the validation of appropriate animal models for use in preclinical testing and clinical translation. These will form the basis for preclinical testing for industrial product development in efficacy and toxicity. This symposium covers a range of preclinical animal models which are being identified and utilised for testing of tissue engineering products and cell therapies. In addition, the refinement and applicability of protocols will be introduced with the aim of reduction of the number of animals required for testing.

Tissue engineering applications in orthopedics have been moderately successful to enter the clinics for a number of reasons including the lack of our understanding of the mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration. Most of the in vitro characterization studies and small animal models have not been predictive of the outcome in preclinical and clinical models. Furthermore, important differences have been found across species, in particular with the use of cell based ”tissue engineered constructs (TEC)” although this challenge has been known for the development of any treatment in clinical medicine. This symposium aims to discuss the value of preclinical models and their limitations, variations observed across species, and the search for approaches to improve the predictability of preclinical findings to allow the design and execution of clinical studies with well defined patient populations. Preclinical animal model research to be discussed on the musculoskeletal system and include cartilage, bone and meniscal repair.

Translation of regenerative medicine therapies from the laboratory to the bedside is a complex process, which requires coordinated efforts from a multi-disciplinary team. This session will provide a better understanding of translational processes that would facilitate safe and accelerated delivery of clinical therapies to patients. The topics include, but not limited to examples of Bench to Bedside applications and associated translational planning, preclinical model selection, ethical and safety assurances, academic-industrial partnerships and interactions, regulatory issues, and clinical trial experiences.

As tissue engineering and regenerative medicine emerge as mature fields, it is critical that technical successes in the laboratory are translated into clinical successes. This session focuses on the recent clinical development in tissue engineering. There are submissions are invited from both basic scientists and clinicians who are at any stage of clinical translation of tissue engineering strategies including investigators fully engaged in clinical trials of tissue engineered devices are encouraged. Similarly, works describing recent efforts to initiate clinical trials are also welcome. Investigators and others who have expertise in the areas of regulatory approval of tissue engineered devices would add elements of particular interest. Finally, we encourage submissions from those who have engaged in detailed analyses of commercial markets for engineered tissues and other related products.

This session emphasizes on translational research of tissue engineering, stem cells and biomaterials research. It covers clinical translation of cell therapy, tissue, organ regeneration and therapeutic biomaterials development. Scientific findings and clinical experiences to regenerate and engineer various types of cells, tissues, and organs are discussed and shared in this symposium. Topics on Immunological aspects in regenerative medicine which require intensive investigation for long term safety and functionality of engineered or, and transplanted biological substances are to be sought in this session. 

The session includes examples in tissue engineering for in vitro test systems with special emphasis on the use of microfluidic systems.

Due to the funding opportunities of the European Union many different translational networks and projects could be successfully established. These include large and smaller integrated FP6, 7 projects, Network of Excellence, Marie-Curie training networks and SME special support programs such as Eurostars. A few examples will be given in addition to the many represented in different topic specific symposia.

Education is of critical importance in the ongoing development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). Young scientists and engineers are usually first exposed to our field while studying at university, and their enthusiasm is often determined by the quality of these early educational experiences. Subsequent postgraduate training and education are also vital, communicating vital skills and knowledge for the research community and so raising the scientific standards and competency of our workforce. Effective education, however, already represents a considerable challenge when delivering multidisciplinary subjects, and it is rendered all the more complex because of the need to consider associated translational, business, regulatory, and clinical aspects. The aim of this symposium is to consider the experiences gained thus far in the development and delivery of education at all levels in TERM, and from this determine best practice that should also inform future curriculum and course development. Offered papers are invited on any subject related to education in TERM, ideally contributing new knowledge on any of the subjects described above.

The special technology session deals with new methods for coating implants, new load bearing scaffolds and special ways to isolate cells from blood and fat to use them in 3D cultures as well as the use of part of placenta tissue as biomaterial.