MatriGrid® based biological morphologies: tools for 3D cell culturing

Recent trends in 3D cell culturing has placed organotypic tissue models at another level. Now, not only is the microenvironment at the cynosure of this research, but rather, microscopic geometrical parameters are also decisive for mimicking a tissue model. Over the years, technologies such as micromachining, 3D printing, and hydrogels are making the foundation of this field. However, mimicking the topography of a particular tissue-relevant substrate can be achieved relatively simply with so-called template or morphology transfer techniques. Over the last 15 years, in one such research venture, we have been investigating a micro thermoforming technique as a facile tool for generating bioinspired topographies. We call them MatriGrid ® s. In this research account, we summarize our learning outcome from this technique in terms of the influence of 3D micro morphologies on different cell cultures that we have tested in our laboratory. An integral part of this research is the evolution of unavoidable aspects such as possible label-free sensing and fluidic automatization. The development in the research field is also documented in this account

Reflexiones sobre la evolución del virus teniendo en cuenta la nueva pandemia del virus corona causada por el SARS-CoV-2

24 p.Los eventos de las últimas semanas con respecto a la evolución de la pandemia de coronavirus en China y otros países del mundo son un ejemplo de cómo nuestras vidas están cada vez más afectadas y amenazadas por la evolución continua de los virus [CDC, 2020]. La pandemia de coronavirus (COVID-19) se basa en el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS-CoV-2). En diciembre de 2019, se identificaron varios casos de neumonía de etiología desconocida en Wuhan (República Popular de China). En las siguientes semanas hubo una propagación epidémica y, a fines de marzo de 2020, más de 400,000 personas estaban enfermas en todo el mundo, de las cuales casi 20,000 han muerto hasta ahora. No es un patógeno completamente nuevo, sino un patógeno ya conocido que se ha adaptado a los humanos como un nuevo huésped. El patógeno SARS-CoV-2 está estrechamente relacionado con otros virus corona, algunos de los cuales son de origen animal. En esta publicación, estudiamos los mecanismos de la evolución del virus y cómo estos procesos interactúan con la vida y la evolución humana. Se cubren las siguientes áreas: Las características actualmente conocidas de SARS-CoV-2 Aspectos genéticos poblacionales de la evolución del virus en general. Formas de infección y comportamientos para evitar la infección. Con respecto al SARS-CoV-2 y COVID-19, esta publicación debe considerarse provisorias, ya que este tipo de virus se está investigando intensamente. Se puede suponer que nuevos descubrimientos tendrán lugar en los próximos meses. Por el contrario, los modelos y las teorías de la evolución del virus presentados se conocen desde hace décadas y ya se ha probado su validez en unos virus patógenos conocidos. Se muestra una posibilidad derivada del desarrollo de la vacuna, pero si este método realmente se puede utilizar aún requiere más investigación sobre el nuevo virus SARS-CoV-2. The events of the recent weeks regarding the evolving coronavirus pandemic in China and other countries are an example of how our lives are increasingly affected and threatened by the ongoing evolution of viruses [CDC, 2020]. The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is based on the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In December 2019, a number of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology were identified in Wuhan (People's Republic of China). In the following weeks, there was an epidemic spread and by the end of March 2020, more than 400,000 people were ill worldwide, of whom almost 20,000 have died so far. It is not a completely new pathogen, but an already known pathogen that has adapted to humans as a new host. The pathogen SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to other corona viruses, some of which are of animal origin. In this publication, we will look at the mechanisms of virus evolution and how these processes interact with human life and evolution. The following areas are covered: The currently known characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Population genetic aspects of virus evolution Possibilities of infection and behavior preventing infection With regard to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, this publication is to be regarded as provisional, since this type of virus is currently being intensively researched. It can be assumed that newer information will become known in the course of the next few months. In contrast, the models and theories of virus evolution presented have been known for decades and have already been tested for their validity on known pathogenic viruses. A derived possibility of vaccine development is shown, but whether this method can actually be used still requires further research on SARS-CoV-2.Fil: Gebinoga, Michael Peter Thomas. Universidad Católica de Salta. Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina