Centre of Excellence in Stem Cell Research
The Centre of Excellence in Stem Cell Research (CoE-SCR), established in January 2024 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biosciences, is a well-equipped laboratory focusing on stem cell biology and stem cell technology, particularly in the context of regenerative medicine for healthcare, disease treatment, and personalized therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as adult stem cells, pose fewer ethical concerns regarding isolation. Additionally, their derivatives, including extracellular vesicles and mitochondria, have significantly advanced our understanding of stem cell biology, facilitating clinically relevant applications.
Stem cells' versatility, characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types, presents immense potential for tissue regeneration and organ replacement. This versatility paves the way for effective treatments for degenerative diseases, showcasing the unparalleled potential of stem cells in modern medicine.
The faculty members of CoE-SCR –
Faculty Expertise and Fields of Specialization: Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, and Adult Stem Cell Research.
Vision of the Centre
A Hub in Regenerative Medicine - Stem Cell Biology & Technology in Therapeutic Interventions – A Concept to Practice Approach
Mission of the Centre
To enhance the understanding of stem cell biology through fundamental research (adult stem cell isolation, expansion, and differentiation).
To create disease models to study underlying mechanisms, screen drugs, and develop targeted therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.
To explore the potential of stem cell Technology in regenerative medicine for repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs (biological implants).
To facilitate the translation of promising stem cell technology into clinical applications.
To ensure that stem cell research is conducted ethically and within the bounds of regulatory frameworks (navigating regulatory pathways and standards to develop indigenous medical products such as ISO 10993, IAEC, IC-SCR, IEC for humans).
To serve as a centre for education and training in stem cell research.
To foster collaboration and networking among researchers, institutions, and industry partners to accelerate progress in stem cell research (Customer/Consultancy Services).
To raise public understanding, support, and awareness of the potential benefits and ethical considerations of stem cell research.
To establish and maintain bio banks of well-characterized stem cell lines, tissues, and data to promote resource sharing within the scientific community to enhance collaboration.
To stay abreast of the latest developments in stem cell research, aligning with emerging opportunities and challenges in the field.
Proposed Academic & Training Programs
Research proposals for funding
Seminars, workshops, and training
PhD programs
Provision of internships in stem cell handling, processing, and validation
External collaborations and MoUs
Interdepartmental Interactions
oE-SCR will collaborate with various in-house departments, including Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology & Nano science, Computational Biology & Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science, Agriculture Science, and others.
Areas of Research Programs
Phytochemical and stem cell-laden scaffolds for tissue restoration
Skin tissue engineering for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and burns using natural polymers as scaffolds
Bone tissue engineering for trauma, tumors, and congenital abnormalities using ceramics as scaffolds
Organoid (miniaturized version of organs) technology – in vitro model systems for testing drugs and cosmetics (stem cell technology with cutting-edge technology - organoids)
Biomaterials – 3D bioprinted scaffolds (stem cell technology with cutting-edge technology - printing)
Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) bio banking – clinical therapy
Materiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) integration into tissue engineering
Isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells and other stem cell research activities