Microbiology
Research Group of Microbiology, prof. Katrina Nordström
The focus of the microbiology research group is on cell and tissue-based biomaterials, the importance of such materials in health technologies and biomedicine as well as within the framework of bioeconomics. The development of new therapies, their safety and efficacy will have a major influence on health economics and have also opened up new avenues in the feasibility of development of biomedicines in line with the EU Lisbon strategy for a competitive biopharmaceuticals sector. The research of the group focuses on the regulation, the safety, efficacy and quality control of cells and tissue engineering products as well as the commercialization of such products together with university hospitals, EU level blood banks and the Institute of Health and Welfare. The development of business models for biomaterials (cells, tissues and scaffolds) is pursued in collaboration with the Aalto university School of Economics. The focus of the research is on
1) The development of methods for the control of the quality and safety of cells (mainly adult mesenchymal stem cells) intended for the use in biomedical applications. The methods are based on the monitoring of mitochondrial membrane potential as a tool for viability and biochemical status of cells.
2) Identification of microbial risks by monitoring changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. The method is used for the detection of infections in biological materials and the aim is to produce a reliable tool for the quality control (bacteria, viruses) of products in which biomaterials (cells, tissues, scaffolds) are used.
3) Generation of new business models for “living products” and biomaterials either as separate entities or combinations, where the models are based on the quality, safety, regulatory constraints. In terms of bioeconomics these business models focus on the collection, distribution and traceability of such products, within logistics and services frameworks.