Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) have successfully developed an innovative technique for 3D printing functional human brain tissue. This groundbreaking approach allows for the creation of active neural networks within the tissue, which can grow in a matter of weeks.
Unlike previous methods, where stiff scaffolds were used to support the structure of the tissue, this new process involves horizontally printing the brain tissue. This eliminates the issue of uneven cell distribution and allows the cells to form connections both inside and between tissue layers, resembling the complexity of a real human brain. The addition of thrombin as a crosslinking agent further ensures that the printed cell bands do not mix.
One of the most significant advantages of this new technique is its potential impact on neurological and psychiatric research. The 3D bioprinted brain tissue provides a powerful tool for studying brain network activity under various physiological and pathological conditions. It can also serve as a platform for drug testing, enabling researchers to better understand the communication between brain cells and different parts of the brain.
Lead author Su-Chun Zhang emphasizes the potential of this breakthrough, stating, “Even when we printed different cells belonging to different parts of the brain, they were still able to talk to each other in a very special and specific way.”
Furthermore, this innovative 3D printing technique is accessible to other research laboratories. It does not require specialized printing equipment or culturing methods to maintain the tissue’s health. Microscopes, electrodes, and standard imaging techniques can be used to study the printed tissue in depth.
Looking ahead, researchers hope that this technology will unlock a myriad of possibilities. The 3D printed brain tissue could aid in the study of cell-cell signaling in neurological conditions like Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. It may also facilitate the testing of new drug candidates and shed light on the complex processes of brain development and neurodegenerative disorders.
The use of 3D bioprinting in neurological research continues to push the boundaries of medical advancements. This latest breakthrough from UW-Madison follows in the footsteps of other noteworthy endeavors, such as the 3D printing of brain cells by researchers from the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil, and the collaboration between Fluicell, Cellectricon, and the Swedish Karolinska Institutet university to 3D bioprint neural cells.
As the field of additive manufacturing progresses, the future holds immense possibilities for advancing medical applications through 3D bioprinting. This transformative technology promises to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and pave the way for new treatments and therapies.
FAQ:
1. What innovative technique for 3D printing human brain tissue has been developed by scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a technique that involves horizontally printing the brain tissue, allowing for the creation of active neural networks within the tissue.
2. What is the advantage of this new technique?
Unlike previous methods, this new technique eliminates the issue of uneven cell distribution and allows the cells to form connections both inside and between tissue layers, resembling the complexity of a real human brain.
3. What is the significance of this breakthrough for neurological and psychiatric research?
The 3D bioprinted brain tissue provides a powerful tool for studying brain network activity under various conditions and can serve as a platform for drug testing to understand communication between brain cells and different parts of the brain.
4. How accessible is this 3D printing technique to other research laboratories?
This 3D printing technique does not require specialized printing equipment or culturing methods to maintain the tissue’s health, making it accessible for other research laboratories. Microscopes, electrodes, and standard imaging techniques can be used to study the printed tissue in depth.
5. What are some potential applications of 3D bioprinted brain tissue?
The 3D printed brain tissue could aid in the study of cell-cell signaling in neurological conditions like Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. It may also facilitate the testing of new drug candidates and shed light on the complex processes of brain development and neurodegenerative disorders.
Definitions:
– 3D printing: A process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding successive layers of material.
– Neural networks: Systems of interconnected neurons that exchange information and process data.
– Thrombin: A protein that plays a role in blood clotting and can be used as a crosslinking agent in bioprinting.
– Physiological conditions: Normal functioning or processes within the body.
– Pathological conditions: Abnormal or diseased states within the body.
Suggested related links:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP)
Karolinska Institutet university
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt