Innovative 3D-printed brain-like environment fuels neuron research
Using this artificial settings, scientists can get valuable insights in the study of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Published on January 30, 2025
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Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) researchers developed a cutting-edge 3D-printed brain-like environment that resembles brain tissue to study neuron growth. This artificial setting simulates the softness and intricate structure of real brain matter, allowing neurons to grow and tricking them to respond as if they're within the body.
This advancement provides invaluable insights into the development of neurological networks and the progression of disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Neurons in this model extend 'finger-like projections' akin to natural brain processes, offering a novel perspective on the growth and maturation of neuronal cells. The study highlights the potential of using such models to enhance understanding of complex brain interactions. It is a collaborative effort with input from TU Delft’s Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics, with support from ErasmusMC.
Groundbreaking nanopillar technology
Associate Professor Angelo Accardo and his team have achieved a remarkable breakthrough using two-photon polymerization to create nanopillar arrays that simulate brain tissue with unprecedented precision. These nanopillars, constructed at a scale significantly thinner than human hair, provide a platform for studying neuronal behavior. The innovative design successfully creates an environment that mimics the structural complexity of actual brain tissue, enabling researchers to observe neuron growth patterns that closely resemble natural brain development.
Enhanced neuronal growth patterns
The research has demonstrated significant advantages over traditional methods. Unlike the random growth patterns observed in conventional flat petri dishes, circular plastic or glass plates with lids used to culture microorganisms, neurons growing on these nanopillar arrays showed organized development patterns. As first author George Flamourakis noted, the system guides growth direction and promotes neuronal maturation. The growth cones exhibited remarkable behavior, extending long, finger-like projections to explore their surroundings, closely mimicking natural brain environment interactions.
Scientific recognition and future implications
The significance of this research has been acknowledged in the scientific community, with the study being published in Advanced Functional Materials and earning the distinction of being featured on its cover. This recognition underscores the potential impact of this technology on future neurological research and treatment development. The three-dimensional growth environment provides researchers with unprecedented opportunities to study neuronal development in conditions that more accurately reflect the complexity of the human brain.
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