Using a 3D Printer to Fabricate Specific Regions of the Brain

What is it about?

Did you know that your brain has specific regions with stem cells that are ready to develop into neurons and other cells capable of navigating and distributing throughout your brain, playing a vital role in learning, memory, and repair? What if we could simulate these dynamic environments - called neurogenic niches - using a 3D printer specific for cells – a bioprinter? Even more exciting, what if we could produce these 3D neurogenic niche models specifically from your own cells? This isn't science fiction anymore; it's the cutting-edge of biomedical engineering that our research group is working on. Basically, human young blood cells (called erythroblasts) are extracted from one person and meticulously reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These iPSCs are then induced into a neural fate, immersed in a hydrogel, and printed into a specifically designed 3D structure. Once the final 3D construct is ready, it is cultivated for up to 110 days to allow the cells to differentiate, mature, and simulate all the brilliant composition of a neurogenic niche. Very excitingly, neuronal organization, distribution, and movement could be observed across all the evaluated dimensions. Time was even considered as a fourth dimension of the final material, as brain cells exhibited different behaviours throughout the almost 4-month evaluation period.

Featured Image

Photo by Ecliptic Graphic on Unsplash

Photo by Ecliptic Graphic on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Simulating specific brain regions, especially neurogenic niches, represents a powerful tool to evaluate therapeutic strategies and pathological events associated with dynamic engines of brain function, which are in constant modulation, from embryonic development to aging. More importantly, using cells from humans and producing multidimensional structures can further be an invaluable tool to understand the mechanisms involved in the early development of the brain. The 3D constructs can precisely represent hardly reachable areas, such as neurogenic niches, allowing scientists and doctors to individually delineate therapeutic strategies and accurate diagnostics, as well as to elucidate the personalized realities of each patient. This is pure translational medicine, combining cutting-edge technology and science.

Perspectives