Research Institutes

ISTM

Explore this Section

Bioengineering & Therapeutics theme

The Bioengineering & Therapeutics theme in ISTM covers a complete spectrum from basic research into cell physiology and pathology, to developing new therapies in the laboratory, translating to treatments in the clinic and then assessing their efficacy by running clinical trials.

A principal interest within the theme is Regenerative Medicine (cell and tissue engineering and its use in medical applications). We endeavour to develop applications such as autologous treatments and surgical repair with a strong underpinning from the engineering field. A theme that potentially leads to a large number of clinical applications is the investigation into the use of bioartificial organs and tissues for replacement surgery. Areas being investigated include the spinal cord, skin, intervertebral disc, tendon and ligament, in addition to bone and cartilage. Biomagnetics is being applied to the design of novel bioreactors using magnetic fields applied to ferrofluids and cells that have been tagged with magnetic nanoparticles, as well as biomagnetic gene and cell targeting.

Other research into histopathology and biochemistry of muscle and joints involves identifying and understanding key biochemical molecules which can be used as targets for therapy or markers for musculoskeletal turnover and inflammatory and degenerative diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease.

Keele has been instrumental in promoting this field within the UK and have brought these methodologies into clinical practice in orthopaedic surgery. Keele is part of major national and European investments: we are

a European Centre of Excellence in Tissue Engineering (EXPERTISSUES) with a range of European partners.
an Arthritis & Rheumatism Campaign Centre of Excellence (RENEWAL KEY), with Newcastle, Aberdeen and York Universities
an EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre in Regenerative Medicine, With Loughborough and Nottingham Universities

At its laboratories at the RJAH Hospital in Oswestry and the Guy Hilton Research Centre in Hartshill, Stoke, Keele and its NHS partners have invested in the latest GMP cell therapy facilities to culture and deliver cells from an ultra-clean environment.

In addition, spin-out companies have been formed: the award winning MagneCell Ltd and more recently NanoTherics, to develop the next generation of bioreactors and applications in cell & tissue engineering.

Click on the links to read more about areas in which ISTM specialises, including:

Regenerative Medicine - treatment of cartilage and bone defects, including the first trials of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) and Stem Cell therapy for non-union fractures
Biomagnetics – the use of biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles for cell and gene targeting

B&T Theme Leader: Prof Alicia El Haj
B&T Clinical co-lead: Prof James Richardson

For postgraduate research opportunities please go to the Prospective Student page.