Soft Tissue Engineering and Medicine
Engineering functional tissues for tomorrow’s therapies
The Soft Tissue Engineering And Medicine (STEAM) group focuses on understanding the fundamental processes of stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration to engineer advanced, functional tissue models of the liver, intestine, and pancreas. These models are essential for predictive multi-organ toxicology testing, disease modeling, and potential applications in transplantation. STEAM’s unique strength lies in integrating stem cell biology, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and in vitro–in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) in which experimental observations in the lab are used to predict phenomena in the body. By combining these disciplines, our group develops physiologically relevant systems that connect basic science to translational applications. Our ultimate goal is to enable the development of safer, more effective drugs and advanced therapies for both veterinary and human patients through cutting-edge bioengineering strategies.
Our organoid-based liver models offer a powerful platform for safer drugs, tailored therapies, and future regenerative treatments
Dr. Bart Spee brings over two decades of experience in molecular biology and veterinary medicine with a strong focus on liver disease and regeneration. His research is rooted in the application of stem cell-based technologies for the functional repair of liver tissue. These range from adult stem cells and organoids to induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). In recent years, his research has focused on the development of physiologically relevant in vitro liver models through biofabrication and bioreactor technologies. These have applications in drug toxicity testing, disease modelling, and personalized medicine. Spee is also involved in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), such as bioengineered liver tissue, offering potential alternatives to organ transplantation. As co-founder of Orgonex, he actively translates his academic insights into commercial solutions that aim to standardize and scale organoid-based platforms. His contribution to the STEAM group ensures the integration of innovative liver models with high translational value, bridging fundamental biology, clinical relevance, and industrial implementation.
Understanding how cells interact with their microenvironment will help us to create functional tissues in vitro
In order to create truly functional tissues that recapitulate the complex native organ architecture, a fundamental understanding of cellular processes is indispensable. We are therefore establishing models that mimic the microenvironment of organ-specific epithelial cells (organoids). These include supporting cell types and extracellular matrix components. This enables us to study how cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions affect cell fate decisions and tissue maturation during healthy homeostasis, disease and regeneration. The gained knowledge will be applied to engineer advanced tissues for disease modelling and regenerative purposes.
The power of veterinary research to advance biomedicine is huge
Louis Penning connects veterinary clinical relevant questions with his knowledge on cell regulation and signal transduction. He founded the MSc-programme Regenerative Medicine & Technology to secure access to innovations in cell biology and to implement these into studies for clinical sciences. The emphasis of his research is on internal medicine and lipid-metabolism. Therefore, organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidney are central. His work at the faculty facilitates his vision to make fundamental research applicable to veterinary clinical research, focusing on horses, dogs, and cats. He initiated the Gels & Sera group to replace animal derived cell culture products by synthetic ones, and is a key-writer in the helpdesk regeneratieve geneeskunde.
