MEEN41410 Tissue Engineering Assignment 1 2026 | UC Dublin

MEEN41410 Tissue Engineering Assignment 1

Module co-ordinator: Dr Fiona Freeman

Overall Assessment: 20% of final grade

Assignment Description

In this assignment, you will be assigned a specific dataset (refer to Brightspace for your assigned data). Half the class will focus on bone regeneration, while the other half will assess cartilage regeneration. Your task is to analyze the raw data from biochemical assays previously conducted. You will need to generate a standard curve and interpolate your data according to the biochemical assays. Based on your results, you will select appropriate statistical tests, perform the analyses using GraphPad, and present your findings in a lab report.

Specific Instructions

1) Biochemical Assays

• Bone Regeneration Data Sets: Your dataset will include two assays: Calcium and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) assays.
• Cartilage Regeneration Data Sets: Your dataset will include two assays: DNA and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) assays.
• You are required to generate standard curves for both assays and interpolate your experimental data using the appropriate equations.
• Include your final interpolated data table in the lab report, along with the equation used for interpolation. Additionally, submit the Excel spreadsheet containing your equations.

2) Experiments

Bone Regeneration Study: This study evaluates the bone regenerative potential of 3D bioprinted scaffolds with or without the addition of decellularized bone extracellular matrix (ECM) and/or Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2). The experimental groups are:

• 3DP Scaffold (no cells)
• 3DP Scaffold + bone ECM (no cells)
• 3DP Scaffold (with cells)
• 3DP Scaffold + bone ECM (with cells)
• 3DP Scaffold + BMP-2
• 3DP Scaffold + bone ECM + BMP-2

You will interpolate your assigned dataset for both Calcium and ALP assays across all experimental groups based on your dataset. For the Calcium assay we used 10uL of a 500ul sample within each well to conduct the assay and the following standards were used:

For the ALP Assay we used a 50uL of our sample and performed the ALP assay over 60 minutes. To interpolate your data, you need to use the following equation: ALP Activity (µmol/minute/mL) = A/V/T. Where A is amount of pNP generated by samples (in µM).  V is volume of sample added in the assay well (in mL).  T is reaction time (in minutes). The following standards were used:

Cartilage Regeneration Study: This study evaluates the chondrogenic potential of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel scaffold cultured under normoxia or hypoxia, with or without transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3). The experimental groups are:

• HA Scaffold (no cells)
• HA Scaffold in Hypoxia (no cells)
• HA Scaffold (with cells)
• HA Scaffold in Hypoxia (with cells)
• HA Scaffold + TGF-β3
• HA Scaffold in Hypoxia + TGF-β3

You will interpolate your assigned dataset for both DNA and sGAG assays across all experimental groups based on your dataset. For the DNA assay we used 5uL of a 500ul sample within each well to conduct the assay and the following standards were used:

For the GAG assay we used the following standards:

3) Statistical Analysis:

Select an appropriate statistical test based on your dataset type. Perform the statistical analysis using GraphPad, include the results in your report, and provide a rationale for choosing that specific test.

4) Data Presentation and Discussion:

Present your results graphically using GraphPad, including individual data points, error bars denoting standard deviation, and statistical annotations as applicable. Discuss your findings in the context of the bone/cartilage regeneration study, addressing how they support or challenge the hypotheses.

5) Lab Report Structure:

Your lab report should include the following sections:

• Introduction: Brief overview of the study’s aim and objectives, including a description of the experimental groups.
• Materials and Methods: Explanation of biochemical assay procedures, data interpolation methods, and statistical tests applied.
• Results: Presentation of interpolated data, standard curves, and graphs with statistical analysis.
• Discussion: Interpretation of results, justification for statistical tests used, and relevance of findings to bone/cartilage regeneration.

6) Important Notes:

• Half the class will focus on bone regeneration, while the other half will assess cartilage regeneration—ensure you follow the correct experimental conditions based on your assigned dataset.
• Submit your final report by the due date; late submissions may incur grade penalties.
• This assignment is designed to provide practical experience in analyzing experimental data and drawing conclusions based on statistical results.