We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Neuroscience Research to Benefit from 3-D Printing of Brain-Like Structures

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Aug 2015
Print article
Image: The Connex Objet350 3-D printer represents the current state of the art in polymer rapid prototyping systems (Photo courtesy of Stratasys Ltd.).
Image: The Connex Objet350 3-D printer represents the current state of the art in polymer rapid prototyping systems (Photo courtesy of Stratasys Ltd.).
Advanced three-dimensional printing techniques were used to generate a biological construct that incorporated neural cells and mimicked brain cell activities for use in applications ranging from cell behavior studies to improving understanding of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers have attempted to study the brain by modeling the architecture using two dimensional (2-D) in vitro cell culturing methods. While those platforms attempt to mimic the in vivo environment, they do not truly resemble the three dimensional (3-D) microstructure of neuronal tissues. Development of an accurate in vitro model of the brain remains a significant obstacle to understanding the functioning of the brain at the tissue or organ level.

Investigators at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (North Wollongong, NSW, Australia) applied a 3-D printing approach to the problem of developing a useful in vitro brain model. They reported in the July 14, 2015, online edition of the journal Biomaterials that they had developed a new method to bioprint 3-D brain-like structures consisting of discrete layers of primary neural cells encapsulated in hydrogels.

Brain-like structures were constructed with a Stratasys Ltd. (Rehovot, Israel) Connex Objet350 3D printer using a bio-ink consisting of a novel peptide-modified biopolymer, gellan gum-RGD (RGD-GG), combined with primary cortical neurons. The ink was optimized for a modified reactive printing process and developed for use in traditional cell culturing facilities without the need for extensive bioprinting equipment. Furthermore, the peptide modification of the gellan gum hydrogel was found to have a profound positive effect on primary cell proliferation and network formation. Neural cell viability combined with the support of neural network formation demonstrated the cell supportive nature of the matrix.

"This study highlights the importance of integrating advances in 3-D printing, with those in materials science, to realize a biological outcome," said senior author Dr. Gordon Wallace, head of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science.

"This paves the way for the use of more sophisticated printers to create structures with much finer resolution. We are still a long way from printing a brain but the ability to arrange cells so as they form neuronal networks is a significant step forward."

Related Links:

ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science
Stratasys Ltd.


Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
FLU/RSV Test
Humasis FLU/RSV Combo
New
Vitamin B12 Test
CHORUS CLIA VIT B12

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.