(hMSCs – human mesenchymal stem-cells, alumina, MTT, medical silicon, servo motors, magnets, IC, PIR motion sensor)
The Cell research project explores diverse possibilities, processes and techniques deployed in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with an idea to grow bone tissues outside the human body using stem cells.
What if we could grow a hybrid prosthetic organoid, a personalized graft, using it as raw material for both medical and artistic exploration? What if we could create a ‘living’ body augmentation that merges with our very ontology?
In collaboration with scientists specializing in stem cells and regenerative medicine, it focused on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), growing and integrating these bone and cartilage forming cells on a new hybrid-prosthetic in the shape of a human-size Tail.
41 million of cells were seeded, proliferating and differentiating into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages, thus forming a living chimeric entity in the very heart of the prosthetic material. To allow its growth to be detected and reveal the outcomes of initially imperceptible microscopic entities, we further experimented with expansion microscopy and staining techniques, unraveling intricate details within these biological elements. The ostensibly invisible cells thus transformed the bone-like surface into various shades reminiscent of flesh, creating a nuanced visual representation while also enabling a visual encounter with the otherwise concealed presence of cells.
By using human-derived lab-grown organoids as artistic materials for chimeric prosthetics and embodiments, the project looks at new possibilities of ‘living’ organoid augmentations that blend art, robotics, prosthetics, stem-cell research and biomaterial science.
Biotechnological support: dr. Ariana Barlič (Educell Ltd.), Kristijan Tkalec (BioTehna)
Expert support: Educell Ltd., company for cell biology, and Jožef Stefan Institute – Department for nanostructured materials (prof. dr. Saša Novak, dr. Aljaž Iveković)
Sensory system, electronics, programming: ::vtol:: (Dmitry Morozov)
Production: Kersnikova Institute – Kapelica Gallery and Laboratory for Artificial Life
Research and development were implemented within konS ≡ Platform for Contemporary Investigative Art and co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union.
Exhibition is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic and City of Ljubljana – Department.
Photography: Ana Rajcevic, Matijaz Rust
