Explore the cutting edge science of biotechnology, genetic engineering, insulin biomanufacturing and "lab cultured meat".
STEM CELLS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY is an intermediate-level course that explores the technical process of insulin biomanufacturing and lab grown meat.
Participants learn how cells are engineered to make medicines (insulin) and food (lab grown meat) working hands-on in a biotech research laboratory with professional scientists who are also exceptional mentors.
The five-day program is structured into two complementary sessions:
Session 1 (Day 1-3) focuses on the technical process of engineering bacteria to produce human insulin. Participants learn how the human insulin gene is cloned and expressed in E. Coli cells to produce cGMP compliant purified insulin.
Session 2 (Day 4-5) focuses on the technical process of growing meat in the lab from cultured animal stem cells. Participants learn how muscle stem cells are isolated, cultured and differentiated to produce muscle protein fibers that are engineered to create an edible meat product.
The program provides:
– Theoretical discussions that build science literacy and provide a conceptual overview of the hands-on lab classes.
– Advanced practical skills and real-life techniques for isolating, culturing, and engineering living cells.
– A real-world introduction to biotechnology, bioprocessing and the regulatory bodies that oversee biomanufacturing (FDA and USDA).
– Preparation for diverse learning environments through a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines science with art, math, public policy, and regulatory compliance.
– Exposure to biotechnology and real-world science.
– Applicable skills and knowledge for future STEM programs such as high school biology and science fair research.
– An opportunity to connect with other science enthusiasts.
– A certificate of completion.
– Early exposure to STEM careers.
Curriculum
Session 1 (Day 1-3): Biomanufacturing of cGMP compliant human insulin using engineered E. Coli.
During Session 1, participants learn how:
– Genes can be copied by PCR and cloned into plasmid expression vectors using compatible sticky ends created by restriction enzymes.
– Expression plasmids are introduced into chemically competent bacteria (E. Coli) by a process called transformation.
– Genetically modified (recombinant) bacteria are selected on agar plates.
– Recombinant bacteria are used as insulin production factories and cultured to large quantities in bioreactors.
– Protein based medicines like insulin are purified from bacteria by column chromatography.
Session 1 also includes a BioArt project – painting with fluorescent bacteria.
Session 2 (Day 4-5): Production of lab grown meat from mammalian stem cells.
During Session 2, participants learn how:
– Muscle stem cells are isolated from tissue biopsies and cultured in the lab using aseptic techniques.
– Muscle stem cells are expanded and differentiated within bioreactors to generate muscle protein fibers.
– Stem cell derived muscle protein fibers are engineered to make different meat products.
– Stem cells can be cultured and differentiated on tissue scaffolds to create “cuts of meat” comprised of structured muscle tissue.
Session 2 also introduces the regulatory bodies that oversee the production of cGMP compliant medicines and food (FDA and USDA) and the political logistics of making biomanufactured products available at an affordable price.
Features and Benefits
– Inspiring multidisciplinary curriculum
– Fun practical activities
– Inquiry led experiments
– Engaging teaching
– Essential real-world lab skills*
– Foundational biology concepts
– Exciting science discussions
– Professional science mentors
– Authentic real-world science
– Biotech exposure
– Career education
– Team work, collaboration, and social skills– Fun and friendships with other science enthusiasts
*Stem Cells and Biotechnology provides practical training in: BSL-1 lab safety, microscopy (phase contrast and fluorescent), pipetting, centrifuging, molecular biology, and genetic engineering (PCR, restriction digests, agarose gel electrophoresis, ligation dependent cloning, transformation, bacterial culture), protein purification, chromatography, bioprocessing (bioreactors), bioassays (immunocytochemistry), experimentation, cell culture, aseptic technique, tissue dissection, cell derivation, tissue scaffolds.
PROGRAM FLYER: https://stemcellpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.-Stem-Cells-and-Biotech-2024.pdf
