The Australian Tissue Engineering Centre   Overview The Australian Tissue Engineering Centre (ATEC) is a place where miracles can happen. This cutting-edge facility, established by the Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery, the Australian Stem Cell Centre and The University of Melbourne, makes available the knowledge, capacity and expertise of Melbourne’s best scientists, technicians and business professionals. ATEC carries out research and development to allow cheap, effective drug testing using human tissues outside the human body. Through our collaborative partnerships, research is looking towards a new generation of organoids, including, heart, liver, pancreas, muscle and adipose. The innovative work undertaken at ATEC will be invaluable to Australia’s medical researchers and to the communities they serve. ATEC is soon to operate to international Good Laboratory Practice standards, to meet regulatory needs for drug and biomaterials development, and will harness links with other leading research bodies and companies around the world to deliver immense benefits. Business Opportunities (i.e Corporate Alliances/Partnerships) A uniquely collaborative facility, the Australian Tissue Engineering Centre brings together the best medical research bodies in Melbourne to find solutions to significant health problems facing Australia and the rest of the world. The highly sought after knowledge and expertise of Australia’s world renowned Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery, Australian Stem Cell Centre and The University of Melbourne places the centre at the forefront of tissue engineering research. Technology/Products and Services Description ATEC Ltd is an Australian tissue engineering company providing expert contract R&D and testing services to commercial and public-sector clients. Based within the world-renowned Bernard O’Brien Institute for Microsurgery, ATEC offers technical excellence, and access to uniquely productive biological models. Assays and models include quantification of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo; cytotoxicity analyses; matrix development and formulation testing; and a variety of unique models for target tissue growth (including cardiac, pancreatic islet, adipose, and liver) in proprietary tissue engineering chambers in small and large animals. Stem cell isolation, propagation, and in vitro and in vivo differentiation analyses complement these tissue engineering models. Human organoid models in nude rats and mice are in development, and ATEC is open to proposals for co-development. Competitive Advantages Our primary focus is on organoid development, based on our proprietary vascularised chamber technology. This provides a platform for well-vascularised tissue development in a defined environment, using a variety of matrices and precursor cells. For example, we have produced beating cardiac muscle from cardiomyocyte precursors, and insulin-producing cells from islet precursors. The vascularised chamber also offers a defined environment for patient-proximal tumour propagation and agent testing. Myogel, our proprietary tissue engineering matrix, is highly adipogenic, and has applications in reconstructive surgery. To complement these technologies, we also offer a wide range of in vitro and in vivo assays and surgical models for drug discovery, and materials testing. Website address: www.atecltd.com.au