Researchers 3D Print Brain Tissue For The First Time: This Is How They Did It

The world＊s first 3D-printed brain tissue has been developed by a team of University of Wisconsin每Madison scientists.

The 3D-printed brain tissue grows and behaves like natural brain tissue, representing a notable advancement in the study of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neuroscience News

"This could be a hugely powerful model to help us understand how brain cells and parts of the brain communicate in humans," says Su-Chun Zhang, professor of neuroscience and neurology at UW每Madison＊s Waisman Center.

How did researchers develop the 3D-printed brain tissue?

Utilising a 3D-printing method, scientists created the brain tissue through a horizontal layering technique and a softer bio-ink.

Their approach was different, since traditional 3D-printing methods stacked layers vertically.

This approach facilitated the interconnection of neurons, enabling the formation of networks that closely resemble human brain structures.

"Our tissue stays relatively thin and this makes it easy for the neurons to get enough oxygen and enough nutrients from the growth media," says Yuanwei Yan, a scientist involved in the process.

Representative image/ Unsplash

The 3D-printed brain tissue has the ability to establish networks and engage in communication via neurotransmitters, mirroring interactions observed in the human brain.

Zhang says, "Even when we printed different cells belonging to different parts of the brain, they were still able to talk to each other in a very special and specific way."

Because the researchers can print exactly what they want, so it is easier to look specifically at 'how the nerve cells talk to each other under certain conditions'.

This implies that the 3D-printed brain tissue could be utilized to examine cell signaling in Down syndrome, explore interactions between healthy tissue and neighboring tissue impacted by Alzheimer＊s, evaluate novel drug candidates, and even observe the growth of the brain.

3D-printed brain tissue: Impact on research

Representative image/ Unsplash

The development of the 3-D printed brain tissue has the following impacts:

• Opportunity to study brain functions and disorders in a controlled environment
• Enables meticulous control over cell types and arrangements, surpassing the capabilities of conventional brain organoids
• This technique is accessible to numerous laboratories as it doesn't necessitate specialized equipment or culture methods. Its widespread availability has the potential to profoundly influence the study of various neurological conditions and treatments

This accomplishment thus holds significant implications for scientists engaged in the study of the brain and the development of treatments for a wide spectrum of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including conditions like Alzheimer＊s and Parkinson＊s disease.

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