Bioengineering and Therapeutics - Keele University

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.

ISTM Members in this theme

Download the ISTM membership list

pdf File
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A list of ISTM members grouped by theme: PDF document that prints as one A4 page.

DTC opportunities in Regenerative Medicine

EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre link

Applications are invited for PhD studentships in Regenerative Medicine -  just click on the logo for details.

News features

Nick_Forsyth_90x90   Prize for research paper in "Ageing Cell" Posted on 29 January 2013 Nick Forsyth's paper picked up one of the "paper of the year" prizes in one of the leading aging research journals. Stuart_Jenkins_90x90   New EPSRC Fellowship Posted on 16 November 2012 Stuart Jenkins has been awarded a two year Landscape Fellowship from the EPSRC E-TERM programme Ed_Chadwick_AUweb2012_90x90   Lecture on Biomedical Engineering by Dr Ed Chadwick Posted on 23 November 2012 Dr Ed Chadwick gave a first lecture to colleagues to introduce his research at the Guy Hilton Research Centre on 23 November. MAGNETICFUN_logo_90x90   MagNETicFUN network gets started at Keele Posted on 15 October 2012 The first meeting of MagNETicFUN, a new Marie Curie Training Network, took place at Keele on 8-9 October. CellIQ_with_Karina_Wright_and_Hannah_Fox_90x90   Cell-IQ enables high quality images Posted on 10 October 2012 Members of ISTM based at RJAH Hospital in Oswestry have taken delivery of a Cell-IQ machine. biodesign_logo_large_90x90   BIODESIGN project holds its first meeting Posted on 23 April 2012 BIODESIGN, a major collaboration initiative funded by the 7th framework programme of the European Commission, has held its 'kick-off' meeting in Stockholm. Keele_ageing_symposium_1_90x90   Research into Ageing Symposium Posted on 03 February 2012 More than 60 members of staff from various faculties attended the first Bridging the Gaps supported workshop on Ageing at the Sustainability Hub. Hyanji_Scaffold_2012_Jianfeng_and_Jing_IMG_0402 _90x90   Scientists' Exchange with China Posted on 20 January 2012 ISTM reports on its exchange of researchers with Tsinghua and Sichuan Universities in China, funded by a European grant award.