3D printing has made another significant breakthrough, this time in the field of neuroscience. Scientists at Monash University have developed a technique to print three-dimensional nerve networks using 'bioinks' containing live neurons. I'll link you here is the research published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.
These networks, which emulate the complex connections found in the human brain, represent a potential breakthrough in neurological research, offering new opportunities to study diseases, test drugs and better understand how our nervous system works. But what exactly does it mean and why is it so important?
The ink of life
The heart of this innovation lies in a special ink containing live neurons: this allows the creation of three-dimensional nervous structures. These are not static models: they are living, functioning, and capable of emulating the intricate connections we see in a living brain.
Bioprinted nerve networks not only emulate the structure of the brain, but also its functionality. Connecting gray and white matter, these networks show spontaneous nervous activity and respond to stimuli, just like our brain. It is a huge step forward in neurological research, and will give us new avenues to explore disease mechanisms and drug effects on the nervous system.
Nervous networks never so similar to ours
Nerve cell cultures have been used in the past to study the formation of nerve networks and disease mechanisms, but these “flat” structures do not truly reflect how neurons grow and interact in their environment. With 3D printing, we can now create networks that replicate the three-dimensional nature of circuits in a living brain.
It's a resounding difference: 3D printed nerve networks could open up a lot of possibilities for us. From better understanding neurological diseases to creating more effective treatments, the future of brain research gains so much from this new development.
