Developed by a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the first ever three-dimensional printed brain tissues have the potential to grow and function like natural brain tissues. This groundbreaking advancement holds significant promise for researchers and experts studying the brain and its tissues, who are working to find solutions for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Professor Su-Chun Zhang from the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, emphasizes the anticipated impact of this innovation on understanding the connections between brain cells, stem cell biology, neuroscience, and the causes of neurological disorders.
Unlike the traditional vertical accumulation printing method, the researchers arranged the nerve cells horizontally side by side. The utilized nerve cells were derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, and the researchers used a gelatinous substance called “bioink” to separate the layers, allowing the cells to grow and interact with each other.
The tissues were extremely thin to ensure optimal absorption of oxygen and nutrients, enabling the formation of networks resembling the human brain. The printed cells exhibited the ability to form connections within and between layers, as well as effective communication through neurotransmitters.
The horizontal printing technique employed is innovative and promising, as it does not require specialized equipment or specialized cultivation methods, making it feasible for numerous laboratories with limited resources.
The researchers aim to further develop their printing technique with additional improvements, focusing on the gelatinous substance used between the layers.
