Multiscale Organization of Neural Networks in a 3D Bioprinted Matrix
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The efficient establishment of in vitro neural models that accurately mimic the structural and functional connectivity of neural networks is critical in neuroscience research. 3D bioprinting shows great potential for constructing sophisticated in vitro models with high freedom of design. However, mature neurons are delicate and susceptible to manipulation. Here, extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is employed to fabricate gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based constructs containing embryonic day 18 (E18) rat cortical neurons, referred to as 3D neuMatrix. 3D neuMatrix displays favorable neuronal viability, with the progressive formation of a 3D brain-like neural network with local and long-range functional axon connections. Compared with 2D cultured neurons, 3D neuMatrix is more similar to the E18 cortex according to the bulk transcriptomic profile, with a recreation of cellular components in the cerebral cortex. The 3D neuMatrix is employed to establish a disease model of ischemic stroke, with a faithful recapitulation of the viability, function, and transcriptomic features of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). These findings demonstrate the formation of multiscale neural circuits within 3D neuMatrix and its valuable potential in the study of neurodevelopment, disease modeling with drug screening, and in vitro intelligence.
Source: Advanced Science
Authors: Huiyu Yang, Huiyu Yang, Jiangang Zhang, Yiran Li, Zihan Zhong, Wenhua Li, Haojun Luo, Yanyong Liu, Liujian Ouyang, Zhuoran Jiang, Yuning Sun, Hang Sun, Lulu Liu, Huayu Yang, Huayu Yang, Yu Wang, Nan Yang, Wenbin Ma, Yilei Mao
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
Awards: G2232327147, G7978569361
OpenAlex ID: W4410825850