University of Wisconsin-Madison Researchers Successfully Create Human Brain Tissue Using 3D Printing Technology

Jakarta –

A group of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have succeeded in creating human brain tissue using 3D printing technology, which can grow and function like a normal brain. This discovery is a breath of fresh air for scientists and doctors in the field of Neurology, including understanding diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Professor Su-Chun Zhang, who is the leader of this success, said this research could be very helpful in understanding the networks in the human brain.

“This could be a powerful model to help us understand how the human brain communicates. This could change the way we look at stem cell biology, neuroscience and neurological disease,” he said, quoted by detikINET from Tech Explorist.

In contrast to conventional 3D printing, which stacks layers vertically, the researchers used a horizontal method. They placed brain cells, specifically neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, in a gel called ‘bio-ink’ that was softer than previous experiments.

Even so, this gel still has enough structure to maintain tissue integrity and is soft enough to allow neurons to grow and connect to each other to form connections. Then, the cells are arranged side by side like pencils placed on a table.

Zhang said that the results of this research were extraordinary, because the cells in the 3D printed brain tissue could communicate effectively.

“We printed the cerebral cortex and the striatum, and what we found was quite striking. Even when we printed cells that came from different parts of the brain, they were still able to talk to each other in very specific ways,” he said.

Zhang also stated that the results of this research were extraordinary, on the other hand, the cells contained in the 3D printed brain tissue were able to communicate effectively with each other. The printed cells stretch through the surrounding medium creating regular connections.

That pattern is what produces human brain tissue. Neurons communicate and send signals, interact via neurotransmitters, and form complex networks including connections with supporting cells that are integrated into the printed tissue.

“Our laboratory is very special because we can produce almost any type of neuron. Then, we can arrange them whenever and in any way we like,” he added.

With this achievement, Zhang hopes to continue conducting research and developing more things. This technology can also be used to study conditions such as Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and even to search for new drugs.

An important aspect of this advancement is its accessibility to many laboratories. Unlike some other methods, this technique does not require special equipment or complex tissue culture procedures to maintain tissue health. These can be studied thoroughly using common tools such as microscopes, standard imaging techniques, and electrodes that are common in this field.

While the current achievements are noteworthy, the researchers aim to further explore the possibilities of specialization. They plan to improve their bio-ink and refine their tools to enable specific cell orientation in printed tissue, opening new avenues for more targeted and detailed research.

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(fyk/fyk)

2024-02-13 03:15:51
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