ABSTRACT CATEGORIES

General session on Biofabrication TWIG.

Researchers continue to advance the fields of micro/nanofabrication, drug development, and tissue engineering, and the need for innovative methodologies in developing disease models using biomaterials is becoming increasingly critical. When cancer/disease has already spread, the treatment becomes more challenging. There is a growing interest in developing complementary tissue-engineered approaches for early cancer/disease diagnosis and treatment to enhance patient recovery. This session will discuss realistic in vitro tumour models for anticancer therapeutic screening. The models will deal with disease microenvironment dynamics, angiogenesis, and cell migration to study and manipulate treatments. 3D bioprinting and microfluidic devices allow us to investigate in-depth tumour cell invasion, intravasation, extravasation and tissue growth in the 3D microenvironment. A biomimetic biomaterial is expected to provide biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix. Fabrication of 3D scaffolds and hydrogels of synthetic and natural biomaterials, disease cells, and associated fibroblasts will create disease models. In vitro tissue-engineered models of the cancer microenvironment and its preclinical models and cancer lab–on–a–chip will support drug screening. Treatment constraints will allow us to investigate the disease microenvironment and innovative treatments more profoundly using 3D in vitro and, finally, in vivo models, which are the demand for practical uses for cancer/disease therapies through current and emerging tools.

Human native tissues exhibit a great degree of heterogeneity and complexity in their structural architecture, composition, and cellular constituents, which is essential for their various functions. Recapitulating this biological heterogeneity in tissue engineered scaffolds presents significant challenges, limiting the efficacy of these products in various regenerative medicine applications. The advent of advanced biofabrication strategies — including multimaterial and hybrid bioprinting, electrospinning, melt electrowriting, microfluidic-based fabrication, and organoid technologies —offers promise in engineering bioinspired tissue analogues that can recap these structural, compositional, and cellular complexities. This session will focus on cutting-edge biofabrication techniques, innovative design strategies for heterogeneous tissue constructs, and their broad applications in regenerative medicine, as well as disease modeling and drug screening. Our goal is to set up a dynamic platform that attracts researchers across disciplines, facilitates knowledge exchange, and fosters collaborations to drive further advancements in the field.

Animal agriculture presents major sustainability challenges. Cultivated meat, also sometimes called lab-grown meat, addresses the vital concerns associated with animal agriculture such as animal welfare, water pollution, food security, antimicrobial resistance, and greenhouse gas emissions. Early proofs of concept for cultivated meat have been demonstrated by both academic labs and startup companies, but challenges in the high cost, scalability, nutritional composition, and taste still remain. The current task for cultivated meat innovators is to optimize biofabrication methods so that cultivated meat production is cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly, and so that the end product is competitive on both nutritional and sensory attributes. This session will feature the new technological developments in the field of cultivated meat such as the development of cost-effective growth media, new bioreactor design, and the development of mammalian, fish, and insect cell lines that can efficiently and sustainably produce meat.

Emerging Biofabrication Technologies: (4D Printing, MPS, microfluidics, organoid fabrication) Emerging biofabrication technologies are transforming tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceutical research. For example, 4D printing expands current 3D printing for more advanced functions and properties by innovating smart materials that respond to external stimuli like heat, light, or water over time. Recently, human organoids, 3D organ-like tissue cultures derived from stem cells or patient tissues, can recapitulate key structural and physiological features of functional organs, holding remarkable potential to bridge the gap between conventional 2D cell cultures and complex in vivo models. Through the innovation of microfluidics, organ chips, and biotechnologies, microphysiological systems (MPS) are developed to offer more physiologically relevant models for disease modeling, drug testing, and personalized medicine. This session will feature current innovative biofabrication technologies such as 4D printing, MPS, organ chip, organoids, and microfluidics, but not limited to the above technologies. Bringing together experts from diverse disciplines, this session aims to foster collaboration, share groundbreaking research, and discuss challenges and future directions of these innovative technologies for various biomedical applications.

The assembly of living, multicellular system is a rapidly growing field with the potential to advance our understanding of complex biological processes while addressing real-world challenges in health and the environment. This approach integrates interdisciplinary concepts from developmental biology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering. A key focus in this area is to understand, simulate, and control the properties and functions of integrated cellular systems, enabling the creation of microphysiological system, biomachinery, and biocomputing. Furthermore, these integrated cell systems can be programmed to release paracrine signaling factors in response to stimuli, stimulating biological activities that support tissue repair and regeneration in targeted tissue defects. This symposium will showcase cutting-edge advances highlighting innovative techniques for fabricating cellularly integrated systems. It will also provide a platform to discuss the performance of living machinery and explore new applications that have yet to be fully realized.

General session on Bioreactors & Organs-on-Chips TWIG.

General session on Cardiovascular/Angiogenesis/Blood TWIG.

New devices and regenerative strategies are being developed for engineering cardiac and vascular tissues, and careful consideration of the complex cell – microenvironment interactions is necessary for these strategies to meet clinical requirements and exhibit long-term viability. Therefore, this session will highlight both these more biomimetic in vitro models and the important scientific results obtained with these models. Models of interest for this session include ones that incorporate microfluidics and perfusion system as well as others that mimic different microenvironmental stimuli. These stimuli include compliance, topography, and crosstalk among parenchymal and stromal cells. Other stimuli are of interest for modeling specific pathological and paraphysiological changes, such as microgravity for astronauts. Overall, these models can be used to shed light on the orchestrated interplay between cells and matrix that guides cardiovascular tissue formation and maturation.

Patients afflicted with cardiovascular disease and children born with congenital heart disease often require autologous vessel grafts and/or heart transplants as part of their treatment. The shortage of available autografts and donor hearts has created a critical need for engineered cardiac and vascular tissue that can be used during reconstructive surgery. Engineered cardiac and vascular tissue can also be used as a model to study cardiovascular development, physiology, and pathophysiology. There are numerous challenges associated with cardiac and vascular tissue engineering. Cardiac tissue is highly metabolically active and requires extensive perfusion. Cardiac tissue is also electrically coupled to achieve coordinated contraction. Cardiac tissue also has numerous cell types that must coordinate their activities including cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and pacemaker cells. Vascular tissue is susceptible to loss of patency due to thrombosis and neointimal hyperplasia. This session will focus on the latest advancements in cardiac and vascular tissue engineering including basic science and pre-clinical research.

General session on Commercialization & Regulation TWIG.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer significant therapeutic promise in regenerative medicine. Achieving effective therapeutic doses necessitates robust ex vivo manufacturing, a process currently hampered by non-standardized production methods and challenges in controlling critical quality attributes due to cell population heterogeneity. This session will explore diverse strategies to build reliable platforms for MSC production while leveraging their bioactive secretome—including cytokines and extracellular vesicles—to enhance regenerative outcomes. Discussions will also focus on eliminating xenobiotic components from human cell culture media and optimizing substrates to promote cell proliferation without compromising the cells' inherent stemness.

Tissue-engineered product labeling varies by region as different countries adopt diverse guidelines, formats, and terminologies. This makes developing a robust international identification system crucial for traceability and biovigilance. ISBT 128 is the international labeling and information standard for use with medical products of human origin (MPHO), including blood, cells, tissues, human milk, and more. The collaboratively developed and globally harmonized terminology found in ISBT 128 Standard Terminology for Medical Products of Human Origin (ST-002) can be leveraged to improve the identification and traceability of tissue-engineered products, supporting increased patient safety. Standardized terminology informs the selection of an ISBT 128 product code, a key element of globally unique identification, along with the Donation Identification Number (DIN), division code, and processing Facility Identification Number (FIN[P]). Additionally, using an internationally recognized standard for identification, labeling, and terminology could advance the study of tissue-engineered products and support clinical trials through enhanced data collection and improved collaboration.

As a wave of cell-based basic and translational science progresses towards pre-clinical and 1st in Human studies, a focus on the importance of quality and standardization of key cellular raw materials, manufacturing process development and scale, and early-stage CMC and regulatory requirements. Navigating through these windows is an integral part of pre-clinical approvals and early-stage clinical success where quality of product is dependent on establishing a robust high-quality cellular source, establishing efficient – phase appropriate manufacturing and analytical development while ensuring safety and efficacy.

General session on Dental & Craniofacial TWIG.

Regeneration of oral and craniofacial tissues are extremely complex and present unique challenges for tissue engineers. This session will discuss the latest research in regenerative medicine within the oral and craniofacial space, including dental tissues, bone, and soft tissues within the craniofacial complex.

This session provides a platform to present cutting-edge developments in tissue engineering, particularly those addressing challenges in craniofacial reconstruction (bone, soft tissue, cartilage) and dental regeneration. By participating, you can engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable feedback from leading researchers, and explore interdisciplinary collaborations. The session's focus on innovative applications of stem cells and biomaterials highlights their transformative potential, aligning with global efforts to advance patient care through next-generation therapies. Moreover, showcasing your work here enhances visibility within a specialized field, fostering connections that could drive future advancements. Joining this session allows you to contribute to and benefit from an exchange of ideas shaping the future of craniofacial tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry and medicine.

Children may have the most to benefit from tissue engineered therapies for congenital disease and injury compared to adults. Despite major initiatives such as the CuRe clinical trial for spina bifida, pediatric patient are arguably underserved by research efforts. Development of tissue engineered therapies is challenged by the dynamic nature of pediatric tissues (they must grow), by confounding of significance (patient versus clinical versus market), and by regulatory hurdles despite recent enabling policies and programs by the FDA (pediatric device P50). This session will present a breadth of engineering efforts across pediatric tissues and organs with each presentation addressing potential future regulatory needs. Expected topics from TERMIS members with active pediatric relevant research, including dental and craniofacial (TWIG sponsor), includes tympanic membrane, tooth pulp, growth plate, tendon repair, and infected fractures.

General session on Imaging and Assessment TWIG.

This session will explore cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging techniques revolutionizing tissue engineering, scaffold validation, and organ preservation. Keynote speaker Dr. Basak Uygun, a leader in organ bioengineering, will share groundbreaking insights into imaging vascular integrity in decellularized scaffolds, monitoring cell integration, and assessing tissue viability in preservation strategies like supercooling. We invite abstract submissions from researchers pioneering advanced imaging applications for regenerative medicine. Selected speakers will present innovative approaches, including real-time imaging for scaffold functionality, multimodal imaging strategies, and emerging techniques that enhance engineered tissue success. This session will inspire new perspectives on integrating non-invasive imaging into tissue engineering research, highlighting its role in refining scaffold design, improving cell integration monitoring, and enhancing organ preservation techniques for clinical applications. Join us to exchange ideas, showcase novel research, and push the boundaries of non-invasive imaging in biomaterials and organ preservation. Abstract submissions are highly encouraged to contribute to this critical and evolving field!

Cell tracking and imaging are essential tools for understanding tissue regeneration and engineering. This symposium will focus on innovative imaging techniques that enable real-time monitoring of cell behavior, migration, and integration within scaffolds or organ systems. We will explore the latest advances in live-cell imaging, fluorescence-based tracking, and in vivo imaging modalities that allow researchers to visualize cellular dynamics over time and under various conditions. Speakers (Key note and selected abstracts) will present cutting-edge research on tracking stem cells, immune cells, and engineered cells within 3D tissue constructs, providing insights into how cellular interactions influence tissue repair, growth, and functional integration. This session aims to deepen our understanding of cell-based therapies and scaffold development by providing tools for assessing cell viability, behavior, and interactions in a non-invasive manner.

General session on Musculoskeletal TWIG.

Composite tissue engineering represents a complex challenge in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Functional integration and healing involves the coordination of multiple tissue types such as bone, joints, muscle, cartilage, tendon, nerve, and vasculature. This session will explore strategies for designing, fabricating, and translating composite tissue approaches to address complex injuries and diseases. We will highlight recent advancements and technological innovations in biomaterials, cell-based therapies, and translational models for facilitating musculoskeletal cross-talk and multi-tissue regeneration.

The complex structure, unique composition, and extraordinary mechanical function of musculoskeletal tissues present a critical challenge for regenerative therapies that requires the precise orchestration of biochemical and biomechanical cues. This session will explore advanced strategies for engineering microenvironments that guide musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration across a diverse range of therapeutic needs spanning tendon repair, bone fracture healing, cartilage regeneration, and muscle restoration. Experts will discuss the role of biomaterials, stem cells, and our developing understanding of mechanotransduction for spatiotemporally controlling microenvironmental cues that drive regeneration to facilitate functional recovery. We aim to integrate various perspectives from tissue engineering, biofabrication, mechanobiology, and cellular metabolism to provide new insights into how engineered regenerative cues can be harnessed for innovative therapies in the near future.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the loss of muscle tissue which exceeds the body’s capacity for self-repair, resulting in impaired muscle function, and in many cases, physical deformity. While many musculoskeletal traumas may be endogenously repaired over time through the myogenic potential of satellite cells, more severe cases of VML overwhelm this native repair mechanism, creating a need for intervention. To date, the treatments for VML including the muscle flap or graft are not effective and are hindered by limited tissue availability and donor site morbidity. Thus, there is a critical need for new technologies to address VML, but for this to be successful per-clinical research and development needs to consider numerous variables, such as sex, age, and anatomical location during evaluation. There are several labs diligently working on regenerative technologies to address the unmet need for a novel intervention to repair VML.

Musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, are major causes of disability worldwide, driven by chronic inflammation, progressive tissue degeneration, and impaired repair mechanisms. This symposium will explore the cellular and molecular interactions underlying inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and subchondral bone remodeling. It will highlight how inflammatory pathways, biomechanical stress, and immune dysregulation contribute to disease initiation and progression. Cutting-edge approaches to assess or modulate inflammation, promote tissue repair, and restore function will be showcased. The session will also address clinical hurdles, including innovative strategies that aid in early-stage disease diagnosis and therapy and bring translational TERM forward.

The session on "Tissue-Tissue Interfaces in Musculoskeletal Tissues" will explore the complex and dynamic interactions at the junctions where different musculoskeletal tissues meet, such as tendon-to-bone, cartilage-to-bone, ligament-to-cartilage, meniscus-to-bone, and muscle-to-tendon interfaces. These interfaces are critical for transmitting mechanical forces, maintaining structural integrity, and enabling coordinated movement for smooth functioning. They are common sites of injury and degeneration due to their specific biomechanical, biological, and physiological challenges. This session will bring together experts in material science, biomechanics, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cell biology to discuss the latest advances. Topics will include the structure-function relationship and mechanism of repair and regeneration of these interfaces, and the role of gradient structures, cellular crosstalk, and biologically active molecules for interface regeneration. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this session aims to inspire novel approaches to address the clinical challenges associated with tissue-tissue interfaces and improve outcomes for musculoskeletal health.

General session on Neural & Spine TWIG.

Regenerating the nervous system remains one of the most significant challenges in biomedical science and engineering. This session will explore state-of-the-art strategies for promoting neural regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Topics will include biomaterial scaffolds, cell-based therapies, bioactive molecules, and combinatorial approaches that integrate biophysical and biochemical cues. A keynote speaker will provide a broad perspective on the field’s challenges and emerging opportunities, followed by emerging research from junior investigators, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The session will highlight innovative approaches aimed at enhancing neural regeneration, improving functional recovery, and advancing translational strategies.

Tissue-engineered models of the nervous system are critical for understanding neurodevelopment, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. This session will cover cutting-edge advancements in neural tissue engineering, including biomimetic scaffold design, bioprinted neural networks, organoid models, and microphysiological systems (MPS). The keynote speaker will discuss recent breakthroughs in modeling nervous system function and pathology using engineered platforms. Following this, emerging researchers will present innovative studies that utilize engineered neural tissues for applications such as neurodevelopmental modeling, neurodegenerative disease research, and drug screening.

General session on Ophthalmologic TWIG.

Topic: Hydrogel Biomaterials to improve ocular tissue engineering and regeneration Concept: The eye possesses a unique set of characteristics as an organ, including optical transparency, immune privilege, sensory function, diverse extracellular matrix (ECM) across its various structures, and a limited regenerative capacity. These features distinguish the eye from other organs and present challenges and opportunities for advancing ocular treatments. Hydrogels, with their tunable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and capacity to mimic native ECM, offer unparalleled potential for enhancing ocular regeneration. This session will highlight cutting-edge research on leveraging hydrogels for specific ocular applications, including corneal repair and retinal regeneration. Invited speakers with expertise ranging from hydrogel engineering to ocular stem cells and tissue regeneration will present strategies to optimize hydrogel properties and explore how they can replicate or reconstruct ocular tissue. Through fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this session aims to inspire attendees and provide insights into the development of next-generation hydrogel-based therapies for vision restoration and eye health.

In this session speakers will discuss different engineering based strategies for pathophysiologic evaluation and treatment of ocular disease. Discussion will be focused on ophthalmic diseases ranging from conditions that impact the cornea and anterior chamber such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy to those that impact the posterior pole, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, and inherited retinal dystrophy.

General session on Respiratory, Urologic & Gastrointestinal TWIG.

There are several common traits between the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems: all comprise relatively large tubular structures that are subject to fluid flow and peculiar loads, and all are “interface” systems between drastically different environments where physiologically crucial transport phenomena occur. Hence, notwithstanding the specificities of each system, there are common challenges when trying to engineer or regenerate each of them. In this session, we will be discussing recent advances in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine of the airways and of the digestive and urogenital systems, identifying key lessons that could be leveraged across structures and functions, while highlighting the unique challenges of each physiological environment.

General session on Scaffolds, Matrices, and Biomaterials TWIG.

Over the past decade, Extracellular Vesicles (EV) have had a transformative impact on scientific research, reshaping our understanding of cell communication, disease mechanisms, and offering innovative therapeutic approaches for complex diseases. By facilitating intercellular communication through the transfer of bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNA, EV play a key role in processes like cancer metastasis, immune modulation, aging, and tissue repair. Their potential as non-invasive biomarkers can greatly enhance the diagnosis of conditions like cancer, degenerative diseases, and non-communicating disorders. Additionally, EV are emerging as powerful, targeted drug delivery systems, offering biocompatible and precise solutions for advancing precision medicine and gene therapy. This rapidly evolving field is profoundly impacting both basic biological research and clinical applications. The purpose of this session is to explore recent advances in EV functions and applications, with a focus on their role in advancing regenerative medicine. Through the invited Keynote Speakers, the most recent advances in a new type of EV residing in extracellular matrix, matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV), will be featured.

Cells within multicellular tissues communicate with each other, and with their surrounding extracellular matrices (ECM), via biochemical, mechanical, and electrical signaling. Tissue engineering multicellular systems that mimic physiological architecture and function thus requires designing dynamic ECM-mimicking biomaterials that enable spatiotemporal control of cell signaling. This session will bring together researchers who dynamically modulate the biochemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of ECM biomaterials to control tissue morphology and function. Research in this space includes, but is not limited to, leveraging external stimuli (optical, magnetic, chemical, mechanical, etc.) to enable dynamic spatiotemporal patterning of ECM stiffness and viscoelasticity, growth factor concentration, electrical signaling, and other cues of importance for cell differentiation and tissue assembly.

Continual feedback between cells and their extracellular matrix underlies dynamic changes to the microenvironment that guide cell fate and tissue function. As such, a recent focus has been the development of biomaterials that provide dynamic control over soluble or physical microenvironmental cues. Strategies include cell-driven signals, external factors such as mechanical forces, or direct programming through user-defined stimuli such as light, sound, or heat have been explored for a variety of therapeutic applications. This session will highlight synthetic, programmable material systems that leverage advanced chemistries, composites, and biofabrication approaches to dynamically modulate the cell response in contexts of tissue assembly, repair/regeneration, and models of disease/degeneration. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the transformative potential these technologies hold for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and beyond.

Biomaterials are uniquely suited to address some of the grand challenges that face humanity. Their versatility and tunability are increasingly being applied in innovative ways beyond traditional domains. In this session, we will explore cutting-edge applications of biomaterials and highlight their transformative role in regenerative medicine. Special emphasis will be given to biomaterials for space exploration, reproductive health, aging, climate change, and marine and agricultural regeneration.

Tissue engineering faces challenges in translation of biomaterials into 3D constructs that can mimic the physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological features of native tissues. Some of the traditional approaches are sophisticated and involve extensive material processing and expensive fabrication procedures. While there has been significant success in biomaterials discovery and characterization, functional and manufacturing limitations have led to the innovation of novel biomimetic materials that we can borrow from nature and human-made commodities to overcome the challenges. This session will explore tissue engineering strategies that involve unconventional biomaterials for improved scalability, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and functionality. Unconventional biomaterials are obtained from globally accessible resources and can serve across a range biomedical applications. Using non-traditional materials such as plants, silk, paper, eggshells, textiles, marine organisms, and edible products can provide unique solutions to existing challenges. With the increased use of abundant and sustainable resources, tissue engineering technologies can reach a global scale.

General session on Skin, Wound Healing, and Inflammation TWIG.

This session will bring the latest research on cellular, molecular, and biomechanical mechanisms involved in skin, wound healing, and inflammation, and the development and use of bioengineered skin constructs/organoids as tools to understand skin biology, perform drug screening or regenerate human skin.

General session on Stem Cells & Cell Therapies & Developmental Biology and Cell Signaling TWIG.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising tools in tissue engineering due to their ability to mediate intercellular communication and promote regenerative processes. Derived from various cell types, EVs contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that influence cellular behavior, modulate immune responses, and enhance tissue repair. They are excellent candidates for targeted therapies, offering advantages such as reduced immunogenicity and enhanced biocompatibility compared to traditional biomaterial-based approaches. This session aims to explore the latest innovations and breakthroughs in the application of EVs for various tissue engineering applications. Abstracts and presentations will cover a range of topics, such as the role of EVs in facilitating cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, discussions will focus on engineering EVs to carry specific therapeutic cargo and modifying their surface properties to enhance efficacy in regenerative medicine. As research advances, EV-based strategies hold great potential for developing innovative, cell-free regenerative therapies that could revolutionize the field of tissue engineering.

The session will examine the pivotal role of stem cells across various organ systems in tissue engineering. Focus will be placed on both in vitro and in vivo applications of stem cells (endogenous sources, pluripotent sources, and/or genetically engineered), highlighting advancements in the development of 3D tissue models, effective differentiation techniques for diverse cell types, and applications in ex vivo disease models. Additionally, the session will explore the challenges of translating in vitro research into viable in vivo therapies. This includes strategies for stem cell delivery, evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in different organ systems, and addressing potential complications. Ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies such as CRISPR, bioprinting, and immuno-cloaking will also be discussed.

The dynamic interplay between mechanical cues and cellular behaviors has emerged as a key factor in cell programming and reprogramming for regenerative medicine. This session will explore how mechanobiological microenvironments—ranging from extracellular matrix stiffness and topography to dynamic forces such as stretch and compression—facilitate stem cell reprogramming, direct stem cell fate, enhance functional differentiation, and improve regenerative outcomes. We aim to bring together experts in mechanobiology, biomaterials, and cell engineering to discuss how physical and biochemical stimuli orchestrate cellular transitions, mitochondrial functions, and epigenetic modifications. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging technologies, including micro/nanofluidic systems, organ-on-chip platforms, and computational modeling, to dissect and manipulate cell programming processes. By fostering interdisciplinary discussions, this session will highlight novel strategies for leveraging mechanobiological principles for translational applications, paving the way for more effective cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.

Mitochondria transplantation is emerging as a promising strategy for tissue regeneration, leveraging the organelle’s ability to restore bioenergetics, mitigate oxidative stress, and regulate inflammation. This session will bring together experts exploring mitochondria transfer across diverse tissue types, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neural, and wound healing applications. Discussions will focus on mechanistic insights into mitochondrial transfer and recipient cell reprogramming, delivery strategies (direct injection, extracellular vesicles, and cell-based approaches), and translational challenges such as dosing, targeting efficiency, and immune response. The session will also highlight preclinical and clinical advancements, emphasizing how mitochondria transplantation can be integrated into regenerative medicine therapies. By fostering interdisciplinary discussions, this session aims to bridge fundamental mitochondrial biology with practical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Session on artificial intelligence.

As regenerative medicine advances, the ability to engineer transplantation tolerance is crucial for the long-term success of implanted biomaterials, engineered tissues, and cell-based therapies. Current transplantation strategies often rely on systemic immunosuppression, which poses risks of infection and toxicity. Developing next-generation tools that integrate biomaterial design with immune-modulating strategies can help create grafts that actively promote immune acceptance rather than rejection. By leveraging immune-instructive biomaterials, locally controlled drug delivery, and engineered cell therapies, we can design implantable systems that promote operational tolerance without compromising the body’s ability to respond to infections and tumors. These advances will enable the development of off-the-shelf engineered grafts and accelerate clinical translation of regenerative medicine therapies. This session will explore cutting-edge approaches to engineering transplant tolerance, highlighting innovative biomaterials, synthetic biology, and high-dimensional immune profiling as essential tools for developing the next generation of regenerative medicine strategies.

This session will focus on biomaterial platforms that are rationally designed and/or leveraged for their ability to manipulate the immune system. These materials are chemically or physically modified, combined with biologics, and/or have intrinsic properties to interact with cellular and molecular immune components. These platforms may include (but are not limited to): particles, scaffolds, polymers, hydrogels, or decellularized extracellular matrices that are synthetic or naturally derived.

Microgravity has the potential to create a new definition of global for research and biomanufacturing, that includes low-Earth orbit (LEO) 250 miles above the Earth. This session will provide participants with an overview of ongoing biomedical initiatives shaping the next frontier for regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing that stand to provide significant global and societal benefits.

Trends in Disease Modeling and Treatments Using Biomaterials and Microfluidics Investigators in regenerative medicine, drug screening and tissue engineering will be able to learn the current and upcoming technologies for developing and using biomaterial-based matrices for 3D cellular and cancer disease models. This session will discuss highly realistic 3D in vitro tumour models for anticancer therapeutic screening and models for disease microenvironment dynamics, including cell migration. Recent advanced strategies in 3D bioprinting using bioink, micro-patterning, and microfluidic devices allow us to investigate in-depth tumour cell invasion, intravasation, extravasation and tissue growth in the 3D environment. By employing clinical data, researchers can refine these models according to the diversity of tumor biology observed in patients. This symposium will discuss fabricating 3D scaffolds and hydrogels to create disease models using synthetic and natural biomaterials, cancer cells, associated fibroblasts, and 3D cancer cell culture. In addition, in vitro tissue-engineered models of the cancer microenvironment and its evolution, preclinical models, engineering of organoids, and cancer/disease–on–a–chip for drug development and screening will be highlighted. Notably, the researchers will explore how these advanced models can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical practice, emphasizing the theranostics paradigm.

This session seeks abstracts highlighting sex as a biological factor and convergent approaches in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to advance women’s health outcomes. Motivated by well-documented sex-based differences in biology, physiology, and clinical presentation, challenges persist in diagnostic and therapeutics of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. While tissue engineering offers significant potential to study these differences, studies reporting sex as a biological factor remain scarce.[1] Incorporating sex-based considerations into basic science and engineering studies will broadly enhance our understanding of human health and disease.[2] Convergent approaches – merging biology, engineering, physical sciences, and data science – have proven successful in cancer research and patient care,[3] and offer similar promise for accelerating women’s health research. We welcome broad topics in women’s health, from basic science/engineering to translation, across the entire lifecourse. [1] Allen, J. B.; Ludtka, C.; James, B. D. Sex as a Biological Variable in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng. 2023, 25 (1), 311–331. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-092222-030857. [2] Stachenfeld, N. S.; Mazure, C. M. Precision Medicine Requires Understanding How Both Sex and Gender Influence Health. Cell 2022, 185 (10), 1619–1622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.012. [3] Walker, S. A.; Pham, A.; Nizzero, S.; Kim, M.; Riter, B.; Bletz, J.; Judge, S.; Phillips, B.; Noble, D.; Murray, D.; Wetzel, E.; Samson, S.; McMahon, M.; Flink, C.; Couch, J.; Tomlin, C.; Swanson, K.; Anderson, A. R. A.; Odde, D.; Shen, H.; Hughes, S.; Zahir, N.; Enderling, H.; Wolfram, J. Education and Outreach in Physical Sciences in Oncology. Trends in Cancer 2021, 7 (1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.007.

This session will feature cutting edge approaches to engineering tissues related to female or male reproduction. This session is expected to be of interest to tissue engineers currently working in, or interested in learning about, approaches to engineering tissues related to either female or male reproductive systems, for the purpose of generating ex vivo systems for basic biology or drug discovery, products to restore function in patients, or other innovative applications of reproductive tissues.