Kaija-Stiina Paloheimo

In Vitro Evaluation of a 3D PLGA—TCP Composite Scaffold in an Experimental Bioreactor

A 3D poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA-TCP) composite scaffold, generated with the low-temperature deposition modeling rapid prototyping technique, was tested for its viability in a 3D cell cultivation in vitro. The aim was to find optimal cell culture conditions for the selected scaffold material and to monitor cell division, differentiation, and migration of selected cell types in this environment. In addition, the behavior and cell-matrix interactions of selected cell types were monitored as well as the biodegradation rate of the tested scaffold material. Chinese hamster ovary cells as well as a human cell line 293 epithelial cells were cultured on the scaffolds. A variety of different preconditioning protocols were deployed to prepare the scaffolds before seeding with the cells. Cell cultivations were conducted for 1–4 weeks and the coverage of the luminal surfaces was analyzed with light microscopy. Long cultivation periods were required to achieve partial coverage of the luminal surfaces of the scaffolds. Tissue engineering with 3D cell cultures and biomaterials represents a promising approach for organ manufacturing research. It may have potential for eventual on-demand high-throughput production of artificial tissues but the process has many challenges. The culture system in a well controlled bioreactor environment is discussed.

Towards Holistic Workplace Services: Turning the Focus on Knowledge Workers and Service Provider Collaboration

Workplace services - a combination of ICT, HRM and real estate and facilities related services - have traditionally been provided by separate entities, each focusing on their own area. Recent calls for a more cross-disciplinary approach indicate the need for collaboration between service providers. Also, the role of the knowledge worker as the wealth provider for the knowledge intensive organization, has recently been emphasized. We have investigated the role of knowledge workers in workplace service settings. We have also studied issues related to workplace service provider collaboration. The results indicate that knowledge workers interests are not optimally taken into account and that service provider collaboration is hampered by adversarial relationships and lack of tools facilitating collaboration. We argue that it is the role and responsibility of the employer organization, which directly benefits from the outcome of knowledge work, to take the responsibility of organizing optimal workplace setting for their workforce