3D-printed 'bench-top' brain a reality soon

By: GizBot Bureau

In a step closer to creating a full-fledged "bench-top" brain, Australian researchers have developed a 3D-printed layered structure incorporating neural cells that mimics the structure of brain tissue.

3D-printed 'bench-top' brain a reality soon

A "bench-top" brain that accurately reflects actual brain tissue would be significant for researching not only the effect of drugs but brain disorders like schizophrenia and degenerative brain disease.

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"The breakthrough is significant in the quest to create a 'bench-top' brain that will enable important insights into brain function, in addition to providing an experimental test bed for new drugs and electroceuticals," explained professor Gordon Wallace, director of ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) at University of Wollongong in Australia.

We are still a long way from printing a brain but the ability to arrange cells so that they form neuronal networks is a significant step forward, Wallace added.


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The custom materials have properties that allow accurate cell dispersion throughout the structure, while providing a rare level of protection to the cells.

The bio-ink is then optimised for 3D-printing and developed for use in a standard cell culturing facility without the need for expensive bio-printing equipment.


3D-printed 'bench-top' brain a reality soon



The challenge for researchers to create bench-top brain tissue from which they can learn about how the brain functions is an extremely difficult one.

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"This paves the way for the use of more sophisticated printers to create structures with much finer resolution," the authors noted in a paper appeared in the Biomaterials journal.

Source IANS

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