Presenter
Dr. Jeremy Hirota, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Respiratory Mucosal Immunology at McMaster.
Dr. Jeremy “Jay” Hirota has developed a research program focusing on lung cell biology, environmental exposures, and advanced in vitro approaches to study lung health and disease. He has developed translational models for particulate matter, cigarette smoke, and cannabis smoke exposures, contributing to national and international discussions on cannabis and respiratory health.
As an extension from his academic R&D, Dr. Hirota is an active innovator and entrepreneur. In 2024, he co-founded Tessella Biosciences, a federally incorporated biomaterials company commercializing proprietary bioink formulations invented at McMaster University with Collaborator and Co-Founder Dr. Jose Moran-Mirabal. As Chief Scientific Officer, he has guided Tessella from IP development to revenue generation, securing pre-seed SAFE investments, government support for IP strategy and filings, and establishing global distribution partnerships. Tessella’s products are available through an e-store and international channels, accelerating drug development and tissue engineering research in academic, government, and industry labs
Title
An evolution from static 2D in vitro systems to tunable biomaterial inks for 3D modeling of lung health and disease
Abstract
The human lung is a dynamic 3D organ that facilitates exchange of over 10000 liters of air each day in every adult. Despite this reality, our traditional approach to study lung health and disease in the lab has been in static 2D in vitro culture systems. Following critique of my own past work with classic in vitro model systems, The Hirota Lab has been working to introduce complexity via flow, stretch, and three dimensions. We are exploring how these parameters impact normal and pathological lung cell responses relevant to lung immunity and tissue regeneration. This talk will explore how a desire to create more realistic lung models turned into a long-standing interdisciplinary collaboration, development of a patent-pending biomaterial ink formulation, formation of a spin-out company Tessella Biosciences, and expansion of a personal perspective of what is possible in respiratory research.
Following the seminar, there will be a demo from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm demonstrating their portable 3D extrusion bioprinter, modified from a Bambu printer. The demonstration will include the extrusion workflow with our biomaterials, and the types of constructs our materials are able to fabricate. Join us in-person in PSE-2317 for both the seminar and the demo!
BME Grad Students: you are required to attend an average of four seminars per term as part of your degree requirements.