Researchers are building even better 3D-printed human brain tissue

In a first, researchers have designed and 3D-printed neural tissues that can grow and behave like parts of the human brain.The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), is a step above other efforts to 3D print brain cells because it provides a more complex layered architecture with more function and communication between cells. Details of the project appeared in Cell Stem Cell.“These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing,” the paper said.The team developed a new type of bio-ink used in the printing that was stiff enough to support a structure, but thin enough to allow for the transfer of oxygen and nutrients between cells—something that is needed because models like this don't have a vascular system.It was also designed to support the growth of progenitor stem cells and allow them to differentiate into specific neural cells. The bio-ink consisted mostly of a fibrin gel mixed with hyaluronic acid. The second key development was to have the printer deposit layers horizontally, which helped support multi-layers and made imaging easier. Other 3D printers deposit material vertically.Once the material is printed, the neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons and form functional neural circuits within and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks.“The printed tissue retains a stable structure within which the neural progenitors mature and form neural networks,” the paper saidAccording to a UW press release, the printing technique offers precision and control over the types and arrangement of cells.Su-Chun Zhang, professor of neuroscience and neurology at UW stated that “In the past, we have often looked at one thing at a time, which means we often miss some critical components. Our brain operates in networks. We want to print brain tissue this way because cells do not operate by themselves. They talk to each other. This is how our brain works and it has to be studied all together like this to truly understand it.”Such 3D printing models can be used to look at the molecular mechanisms underlying brain development, neurodegenerative disorders and more.

Researchers are building even better 3D-printed human brain tissue

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