American researchers have succeeded in making 3D-printed brain tissue communicate and function like a real human brain network.
To better understand what happens in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, for example, three-dimensional brain models are needed. Such a model closely resembles natural human tissue – more so than cells in a petri dish.
3D printers have been used for a number of years to recreate human tissue in 3D, including brains. But it still turns out to be quite difficult to see the communication of the cells in the tissue. American researchers from Wisconsin-Madison University have finally succeeded with a few adjustments.
Thick ink
A 3D printer builds layers on top of each other one by one. This can be done in different forms and with different materials, depending on the purpose. A bio-ink is used to 3D print brain tissue. That’s a natural gel stem cells inside and resembles human brain tissue.
Previously, researchers recreated brain tissue by stacking the bio-ink in layers in a vertical structure. After 3D printing, they added nutrients and oxygen. The stem cells can then develop into nerve cells and grow together to form a large communicating network. At least, that’s the idea. So far, this method has not yet succeeded in simulating real functioning brain tissue.
The problem researchers face is that the gel used is too thick. The cells then stick together, making it harder for nutrients to spread and inhibiting nerve growth. There is therefore no functional connection between the nerve cells, as in real brain tissue, and therefore no communication between these layers.
Horizontal structure
The American researchers have now taken a different approach. Using the 3D printer, they placed the fabric next to each other in a horizontal structure – instead of a vertical one. This provides more strength, making a thick gel no longer necessary.
Bio-ink made from a thinner gel softens the structure of the printed fabric, but is still firm enough to remain one piece. The researchers used the new gel to allow different parts of the brain tissue to grow together to form a tight network. Only in this way can communication between the cells take place, and that makes it an important breakthrough. Regina Luttge, microsystems researcher and group leader of neuro-nanoscale engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, tells KIJK.
Parkinson en alzheimer
This breakthrough allows scientists to better investigate how brain cells communicate with each other. For example, in brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, there is an adaptation in some brain cells. Experts know what that adaptation is, but not how the brain behaves afterwards. This will soon be able to be investigated much better with 3D-printed brain tissue.
Source: Watch Online
2024-02-17 11:06:39
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