The group around Susanne Wolbank is examining a variety of cells to study their potential use in cell-based therapies. This includes for example the isolation and cultivation of primary cells from animal or human tissue sources as well as preparing them for application in regenerative medicine. An emphasis is put on different parts of the cell with the cell organelles but also on proliferation and the communication within cell bonds as well as the characteristics and functionality of specific cell types. Researching mechanisms on a cellular level plays an important role in order to clarify and better understand cellular structures. The group works on various different projects and provides cells for the different research areas in tissue regeneration. This includes for example bone-, ligament-, cartilage-, tendon- and neuro-regeneration but also the endothelium and light therapy group. The focus is put on the following technical methods:
- Expansion and marker characterisation
- Cytotoxicity assays
- 3D culture
- Differentiation assays
- Transfection
- Reporter assays
One emphasis is put on using “clinical waste material”. This includes for example using the human placenta and its different components such as the amniotic membrane. From the amnion, adult stem cells can be isolated and cultivated to be used in regenerative medicine. Other human “waste material” accumulates during liposuction. Thereby, the various cells originating from adipose tissue can be used again in tissue regeneration.
