New cell culture lab boosts sustainable development of innovative materials and food

The inverted microscope is used to analyse the cells, including their size, quantity, and shape.

The cell incubator maintains a controlled temperature and carbon dioxide level to ensure optimal conditions for cell cultivation.

Professor Akram Zamani and Senior Lecturer Maria Persson inspect an ongoing cytotoxicity test of a new hydrogel material, developed by Dinesha Dilrukshi Kumari Abeysinghe, a master’s student in resource recovery.

In the biosafety cabinet, cell cultivation can be handled aseptically, providing a sterile working environment.

At the University of Borås, research, education, and technology converge in a unique initiative that places Borås on the map as a leader in sustainable material development. Akram Zamani, Professor of Polymer Technology, and Maria Persson, Senior Lecturer in Textile Technology, are enthusiastic about the establishment of the cell culture lab.

— The University of Borås is at the forefront of research on innovative materials in textile technology, biomaterials, and food. The cell culture lab is crucial for assessing how these new materials affect human health, as well as how tissues influence the properties and behaviour of materials. This, in turn, enables us to develop safe and effective innovations, they explained.

What happens in the lab?

— Exploring real-world applications of innovative products often requires a thorough examination of their potential impact on human health and the environment, especially if they are to be used by individuals. A common method for such evaluations is in vitro cell culture, which involves testing on living cells from animals or humans in laboratory glassware, rather than direct testing on animals or humans. Previously, we had to outsource this type of testing to external laboratories, which was both costly and time-consuming. Now, our researchers and students can conduct these experiments in-house.

— Furthermore, it opens up opportunities for interdisciplinary research and education at the University of Borås, as well as collaboration with other universities and research institutes. By combining our expertise in chemical engineering, textile technology, materials science, polymer technology, and biotechnology with the capabilities of the cell culture lab, our ambition is to develop innovative materials with significant future impact—materials that are free from hazardous substances, suitable for direct contact with humans, and environmentally friendly.

— Additionally, integrating cell culture methodology into our educational programmes presents an opportunity to enrich the learning experience. By providing students with hands-on experience in this high-tech field, we will equip them for interdisciplinary research and strengthen their future career prospects.

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The research area Resource Recovery
The research area Textiles and Fashion
Akram Zamani's researcher profile page
Maria Persson's researcher profile page