Researchers at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed brain-like environment that mimics the soft neural tissue and extracellular matrix fibers of the brain. This innovative model uses tiny nanopillars, each thousands of times thinner than a human hair, to create a structure that neurons can interact with, much like they do in a real brain.
How It Works
The nanopillars are designed using a technique called two-photon polymerization, which allows for nanoscale precision. By adjusting the width and height of these pillars, researchers can tune their effective shear modulus, a mechanical property that neurons sense when crawling on top of micro- or nano-structures. This tricks the neurons into “thinking” they are in a soft, brain-like environment, even though the nanopillars themselves are stiff.
Key Findings
- Organized Growth: Neurons grown on the 3D-printed nanopillar arrays formed more organized patterns and networks at specific angles, unlike the random growth observed in traditional flat petri dishes.
- Enhanced Maturation: Neural progenitor cells grown on the nanopillars showed higher levels of markers for mature neurons compared to those grown on flat surfaces.
- Growth Cones: The study revealed new insights into neuronal growth cones, which guide the tips of growing neurons. On the nanopillar arrays, growth cones sent out long, finger-like projections, exploring their surroundings in all directions, mimicking real brain environments.
Applications
This model provides new insights into how neurons form networks and offers a novel tool for studying neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. By better replicating how neurons grow and connect, the developed model could offer new insights into the differences between healthy brain networks and those associated with neurological disorders.
Key Features of the 3D-Printed Brain-Like Model
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nanopillars | Tiny structures that mimic the brain’s extracellular matrix fibers |
| Two-Photon Polymerization | Technique used to create nanopillars with nanoscale precision |
| Effective Shear Modulus | Mechanical property tuned to simulate the softness of brain tissue |
| Organized Neuronal Growth | Neurons form networks at specific angles, unlike random growth in flat dishes |
| Enhanced Neuronal Maturation | Higher levels of mature neuron markers compared to flat surfaces |
| Growth Cones | Long, finger-like projections exploring 3D space, mimicking real brain environments |
This innovative approach is paving the way for new discoveries in neuroscience and could revolutionize our understanding of brain function and neurological disorders.
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