Nerve cells grow on nanocellulose

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 10:28am
Neural Network

Image of neural network. Image: Chalmers University of Technology

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have shown that nanocellulose stimulates the formation of neural networks. This is the first step toward creating a 3D model of the brain. Such a model could elevate brain research to totally new levels, with regard to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, for example.


"This has been a great challenge," says Paul Gatenholm, professor of biopolymer technology at Chalmers. "Until recently the cells were dying after a while, since we weren't able to get them to adhere to the scaffold. But after many experiments we discovered a method to get them to attach to the scaffold by making it more positively charged. Now we have a stable method for cultivating nerve cells on nanocellulose."


The researchers are trying to develop "artificial brains," which may open entirely new possibilities in brain research and health care, and eventually may lead to the development of biocomputers. Initially the group wants to investigate destruction of synapses between nerve cells, which is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease. For example, they would like to cultivate nerve cells and study how cells react to the patients' spinal fluid.



"Pores can be created in nanocellulose, which allows nerve cells to grow in a three-dimensional matrix. This makes it extra comfortable for the cells and creates a realistic cultivation environment that is more like a real brain compared with a 3D cell cultivation well," says Paul Gatenholm.



Chalmers University of Technology

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