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C O M PA N Y P RO F I L E
Set up in 2005, the Swiss Stem Cell Bank (SSCB) is the first
Swiss structure to offer an autologous storage service for stem
cells extracted from umbilical cord blood. Next to its work in
the separation and storage of stem cells, SSCB immediately invested
in the development of a modern research laboratory, where biologists
and researchers using highly advanced technologies and equipment
work on developing therapeutic applications based on stem cells.
There are many ambitious projects under development, many of
which focus on mesenchymal cells, which constitute the stromal part
of various tissues in the human body. Mesenchymal stem cells are
found in the bone marrow and in other anatomical areas of the human
body, such as the blood of the umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, peripheral
blood, the foetal liver, the lung, dental pulp and, not least, adipose
tissue. These are precisely the tissues on which the research at the Swiss
Stem Cell Bank is focused. Unlike the stem cells present in hematic
tissues, which are “runny” in the blood and therefore relatively easy to
isolate, mesenchymal stem cells are closely associated with the adipose
tissue and therefore cannot be extracted directly. The project on the
“Isolation and characterisation of stem cells of adipose origin”
proposes therefore to develop protocols for extracting and banking
mesenchymal cells from liposuctioned tissue, protocols that are capable
of meeting the strict standards of good manufacturing practice (GMP)
both in Switzerland and in the European Union. Essentially, the aim
is to create the necessary operating conditions for all projects in the
definition phase that are concerned among other things with bone
regeneration, the development of a culture medium for cell amplification,
and the repairing of scars.
The “3D BONE” project aims to lay the foundations for using
mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue to repair bone tissue.
Once isolated, the stem cells are made to adhere to a biocompatible
scaffold (or matrix), supplied by the company IBI Industrie
Biomediche Insubri SA, and their differentiation around the
osteogenic cell line is induced with a culture medium expressly
developed at the SSCB laboratory, the elements of which are compatible
with clinical use.
The development of a defined culture medium for the amplification
in vitro of stem cells before their use in tissue regeneration therapies is
of fundamental importance in view of the fact that the number of
adult stem cells of any type is quite low immediately after extraction
from their original location.
Swiss Stem Cell Bank
© Cardiocentro/Swiss Stem Cell Bank
© Cardiocentro/Swiss Stem Cell Bank
Traditionally, for decades mammalian eukaryotic cells have been
cultivated in the presence of foetal bovine serum (FBS). This is the
standard additive for cell culture, but it cannot be used in the culture
of human cells destined for therapeutic use.
The employment of tissue engineering therapies will be authorised by
health authorities only if the cells have been multiplied in a defined
culture medium, free of animal components and certified as GMP.
The study protocol developed by SSCB is designed precisely to
achieve this.
SUPSI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
The SUPSI University of Applied Sciences is one of eight SUP universities
recognised by the Swiss Confederation. In line with its mandate, it works
to enhance the value of the academic system and to give an important
stimulus to economic, social and cultural growth within the Italianspeaking
area of Switzerland and the neighbouring region of Regio
Insubrica in northern Italy. SUPSI awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees
that are officially recognised by the Swiss Confederation. The courses
conform to the European university system and enable its graduates to
find suitable professional positions and/or move between European
universities for postgraduate courses. The university has the special
characteristic of combining practical studies and applications with a solid
scientific base, thanks to the scores of teaching staff who combine an
industrial career with their academic work.
DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES (DTI)
This department offers teaching and research in applied engineering
sciences in the computer, electrical, mechanical and management
engineering sectors. The DTI has close collaborative relationships with
industry, as well as with service companies with advanced technological
content. Bachelor’s degree courses include: Electrical Engineering,
Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Management
Engineering. Many specialisations are available, including: software
Swiss Label Ticino 2010