Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have pioneered the creation of the first-ever 3D-printed brain tissue that not only grows but also functions similarly to natural brain tissue, according to the university.
This breakthrough holds significant promise for researchers delving into the intricacies of the brain and those pursuing novel therapies for a wide array of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The team, including neuroscience professor Su-Chun Zhang from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and a member of UW–Madison’s Waisman Center, along with scientist Yuanwei Yan from Zhang’s lab, overcame the limitations faced by earlier attempts to create brain tissue through printing. They shared their innovative 3D-printing technique in the journal Cell Stem Cell.
Diverging from the conventional vertical layering approach of 3D printing, the team opted for a horizontal method. They embedded neurons, which were cultivated from induced pluripotent stem cells, within a significantly softer “bio-ink” gel than what was previously used.
The outcome is as groundbreaking as the process — the printed cells not only connect with one another within and across the layers, but they also mimic the complex networks seen in the human brain. These neurons communicate and interact through neurotransmitters, creating functional networks along with support cells added into the mix.
This novel printing approach is designed to be widely accessible. It doesn’t demand unique bio-printing gear or sophisticated culturing techniques for maintaining the tissue’s health, making it possible for many laboratories to explore this technology using common microscopes, imaging methods, and electrodes already prevalent in neurological research.
