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Callegari F, Brofiga M, Tedesco M, Massobrio P. Electrophysiological features of cortical 3D networks are deeply modulated by scaffold properties. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:036112. [PMID: 39193551 PMCID: PMC11348497 DOI: 10.1063/5.0214745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensionality (3D) was proven essential for developing reliable models for different anatomical compartments and many diseases. However, the neuronal compartment still poses a great challenge as we still do not understand precisely how the brain computes information and how the complex chain of neuronal events can generate conscious behavior. Therefore, a comprehensive model of neuronal tissue has not yet been found. The present work was conceived in this framework: we aimed to contribute to what must be a collective effort by filling in some information on possible 3D strategies to pursue. We compared directly different kinds of scaffolds (i.e., PDMS sponges, thermally crosslinked hydrogels, and glass microbeads) in their effect on neuronal network activity recorded using micro-electrode arrays. While the overall rate of spiking activity remained consistent, the type of scaffold had a notable impact on bursting dynamics. The frequency, density of bursts, and occurrence of random spikes were all affected. The examination of inter-burst intervals revealed distinct burst generation patterns unique to different scaffold types. Network burst propagation unveiled divergent trends among configurations. Notably, it showed the most differences, underlying that functional variations may arise from a different 3D spatial organization. This evidence suggests that not all 3D neuronal constructs can sustain the same level of richness of activity. Furthermore, we commented on the reproducibility, efficacy, and scalability of the methods, where the beads still offer superior performances. By comparing different 3D scaffolds, our results move toward understanding the best strategies to develop functional 3D neuronal units for reliable pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Callegari
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Tedesco
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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2
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D bioprinting of human neural tissues with functional connectivity. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:260-274.e7. [PMID: 38306994 PMCID: PMC10883639 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Probing how human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable to the dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons and form functional neural circuits within and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents, and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xueyan Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sakthikumar Mathivanan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Linghai Kong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.
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3
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D Bioprinting of Human Neural Tissues with Functional Connectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576289. [PMID: 38328181 PMCID: PMC10849546 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Probing how the human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable for dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate to neurons and form functional neural circuits in and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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4
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Pereira I, Lopez-Martinez MJ, Samitier J. Advances in current in vitro models on neurodegenerative diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1260397. [PMID: 38026882 PMCID: PMC10658011 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1260397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are identified but their causes and cure are far from being well-known. The problem resides in the complexity of the neural tissue and its location which hinders its easy evaluation. Although necessary in the drug discovery process, in vivo animal models need to be reduced and show relevant differences with the human tissues that guide scientists to inquire about other possible options which lead to in vitro models being explored. From organoids to organ-on-a-chips, 3D models are considered the cutting-edge technology in cell culture. Cell choice is a big parameter to take into consideration when planning an in vitro model and cells capable of mimicking both healthy and diseased tissue, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), are recognized as good candidates. Hence, we present a critical review of the latest models used to study neurodegenerative disease, how these models have evolved introducing microfluidics platforms, 3D cell cultures, and the use of induced pluripotent cells to better mimic the neural tissue environment in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pereira
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Lopez-Martinez
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red: Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Perez JE, Jan A, Villard C, Wilhelm C. Surface Tension and Neuronal Sorting in Magnetically Engineered Brain-Like Tissue. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302411. [PMID: 37544889 PMCID: PMC10520685 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Engineered 3D brain-like models have advanced the understanding of neurological mechanisms and disease, yet their mechanical signature, while fundamental for brain function, remains understudied. The surface tension for instance controls brain development and is a marker of cell-cell interactions. Here, 3D magnetic brain-like tissue spheroids composed of intermixed primary glial and neuronal cells at different ratios are engineered. Remarkably, the two cell types self-assemble into a functional tissue, with the sorting of the neuronal cells toward the periphery of the spheroids, whereas the glial cells constitute the core. The magnetic fingerprint of the spheroids then allows their deformation when placed under a magnetic field gradient, at a force equivalent to a 70 g increased gravity at the spheroid level. The tissue surface tension and elasticity can be directly inferred from the resulting deformation, revealing a transitional dependence on the glia/neuron ratio, with the surface tension of neuronal tissue being much lower. The results suggest an underlying mechanical contribution to the exclusion of the neurons toward the outer spheroid region, and depict the glia/neuron organization as a sophisticated mechanism that should in turn influence tissue development and homeostasis relevant in the neuroengineering field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose E. Perez
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie CurieCNRS UMR168Institut CurieSorbonne UniversitéPSL UniversityParis75005France
| | - Audric Jan
- Institut Pierre‐Gilles de GennesIPGG Technology PlatformUMS 3750 CNRSParis75005France
| | - Catherine Villard
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie CurieCNRS UMR168Institut CurieSorbonne UniversitéPSL UniversityParis75005France
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Énergies de DemainUniversité Paris CitéUMR 8236 CNRSParis75013France
| | - Claire Wilhelm
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie CurieCNRS UMR168Institut CurieSorbonne UniversitéPSL UniversityParis75005France
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6
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Neuronal Cultures: Exploring Biophysics, Complex Systems, and Medicine in a Dish. BIOPHYSICA 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/biophysica3010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal cultures are one of the most important experimental models in modern interdisciplinary neuroscience, allowing to investigate in a control environment the emergence of complex behavior from an ensemble of interconnected neurons. Here, I review the research that we have conducted at the neurophysics laboratory at the University of Barcelona over the last 15 years, describing first the neuronal cultures that we prepare and the associated tools to acquire and analyze data, to next delve into the different research projects in which we actively participated to progress in the understanding of open questions, extend neuroscience research on new paradigms, and advance the treatment of neurological disorders. I finish the review by discussing the drawbacks and limitations of neuronal cultures, particularly in the context of brain-like models and biomedicine.
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Paruli EI, Montagna V, García-Soto M, Haupt K, Gonzato C. A general photoiniferter approach to the surface functionalization of acrylic and methacrylic structures written by two-photon stereolithography. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:2860-2870. [PMID: 36688734 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06627k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Two-photon stereolithography (TPS) is an established additive fabrication technique allowing the voxel-by-voxel direct writing of even intricate 3D nano/microstructures via the polymerization of a photoresin. An obvious way to tune the chemical functionalities of such nano/microstructures is formulating a photoresin with the desired functional monomer(s). Unfortunately, this makes every photoresin "unique" in terms of viscosity and reactivity, thus requiring a tedious and often time-consuming optimization of its printing parameters. In this work, we describe a general approach for the chemical functionalization of TPS-written structures based on two commercial photoresins. Our strategy entailed the grafting of functional polymer layers via an innovative approach based on photoiniferter coupling to unreacted double bonds and photopolymerization. After writing woodpiles as 3D model structures, we demonstrated the viability of this approach by anchoring a photoiniferter via its photoinduced addition to the residual CC on the structure's surface triggered by green light. This in turn allowed for the blue light-mediated, surface-initiated photopolymerization of functional monomers. Molecularly imprinted polymer films were also easily synthesized by using the same approach on model honeycombs. The imprinted layers resulted in only a minimal increase in size with no effect on the geometrical features of the honeycombs. Overall, this strategy offers a general approach for the surface modification of TPS-written (meth)acrylic structures with a wide variety of functional polymers via photoiniferter polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Iii Paruli
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Rue du Docteur Schweitzer, CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Valentina Montagna
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Rue du Docteur Schweitzer, CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Mariano García-Soto
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Rue du Docteur Schweitzer, CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Karsten Haupt
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Rue du Docteur Schweitzer, CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Carlo Gonzato
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Rue du Docteur Schweitzer, CS 60319, 60203 Compiègne Cedex, France.
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8
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Samanta S, Ylä-Outinen L, Rangasami VK, Narkilahti S, Oommen OP. Bidirectional cell-matrix interaction dictates neuronal network formation in a brain-mimetic 3D scaffold. Acta Biomater 2022; 140:314-323. [PMID: 34902615 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) derived neurons are emerging as a powerful tool for studying neurobiology, disease pathology, and modeling. Due to the lack of platforms available for housing and growing hPSC-derived neurons, a pressing need exists to tailor a brain-mimetic 3D scaffold that recapitulates tissue composition and favourably regulates neuronal network formation. Despite the progress in engineering biomimetic scaffolds, an ideal brain-mimetic scaffold is still elusive. We bioengineered a physiologically relevant 3D scaffold by integrating brain-like extracellular matrix (ECM) components and chemical cues. Culturing hPSCs-neurons in hyaluronic acid (HA) gels and HA-chondroitin sulfate (HA-CS) composite gels showed that the CS component prevails as the predominant factor for the growth of neuronal cells, albeit to modest efficacy. Covalent grafting of dopamine (DA) moieties to the HA-CS gel (HADA-CS) enhanced the scaffold stability and stimulated the gel's remodeling properties by entrapping cell-secreted laminin, and binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Neurons cultured in the scaffold expressed Col1, Col11, and ITGB4; important for cell adhesion and cell-ECM signaling. Thus, the HA-CS scaffold with integrated chemical cues (DA) supported neuronal growth and network formation. This scaffold offers a valuable tool for tissue engineering and disease modeling and helps in bridging the gap between animal models and human diseases by providing biomimetic neurophysiology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Developing a brain mimetic 3D scaffold that supports neuronal growth could potentially be useful to study neurobiology, disease pathology, and disease modeling. However, culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived neurons in a 3D matrix is extremely challenging as neurons are very sensitive cells and require tailored composition, viscoelasticity, and chemical cues. This article identified the key chemical cues necessary for designing neuronal matrix that trap the cell-produced ECM and neurotrophic factors and remodel the matrix and supports neurite outgrowth. The tailored injectable scaffold possesses self-healing/shear-thinning property which is useful to design injectable gels for regenerative medicine and disease modeling that provides biomimetic neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta Samanta
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Ylä-Outinen
- NeuroGroup, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Vignesh Kumar Rangasami
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- NeuroGroup, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Oommen P Oommen
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
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Ftuwi H, Parri R, Mohammed AR. Novel, Fully Characterised Bovine Taste Bud Cells of Fungiform Papillae. Cells 2021; 10:2285. [PMID: 34571933 PMCID: PMC8469975 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Current understanding of functional characteristics and biochemical pathways in taste bud cells have been hindered due the lack of long-term cultured cells. To address this, we developed a holistic approach to fully characterise long term cultured bovine taste bud cells (BTBCs). Initially, cultured BTBCs were characterised using RT-PCR gene expression profiling, immunocytochemistry, flowcytometry and calcium imaging, that confirmed the cells were mature TBCs that express taste receptor genes, taste specific protein markers and capable of responding to taste stimuli, i.e., denatonium (2 mM) and quinine (462.30 μM). Gene expression analysis of forty-two genes implicated in taste transduction pathway (map04742) using custom-made RT-qPCR array revealed high and low expressed genes in BTBCs. Preliminary datamining and bioinformatics demonstrated that the bovine α-gustducin, gustatory G-protein, have higher sequence similarity to the human orthologue compared to rodents. Therefore, results from this work will replace animal experimentation and provide surrogate cell-based throughput system to study human taste transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Afzal R. Mohammed
- Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (H.F.); (R.P.)
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Koroleva A, Deiwick A, El-Tamer A, Koch L, Shi Y, Estévez-Priego E, Ludl AA, Soriano J, Guseva D, Ponimaskin E, Chichkov B. In Vitro Development of Human iPSC-Derived Functional Neuronal Networks on Laser-Fabricated 3D Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:7839-7853. [PMID: 33559469 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the forefront of ″brain-on-chip″ investigations. Viable and functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are shaping powerful in vitro models for evaluating the normal and abnormal formation of cortical circuits, understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, and investigating the response to drugs. They therefore represent a desirable instrument for both the scientific community and the pharmacological industry. However, culture conditions required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks are still unidentified. It has been recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions can better emulate in vivo neuronal tissue development compared to 2D cultures and thus provide a more desirable in vitro approach. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a 3D scaffold platform that supports and promotes intricate neuronal network development. 3D scaffolds were produced through direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization (2PP), a high-resolution 3D laser microstructuring technology, using the biocompatible and nondegradable photoreactive resin Dental LT Clear (DClear). Neurons developed and interconnected on a 3D environment shaped by vertically stacked scaffold layers. The developed networks could support different cell types. Starting at the day 50 of 3D culture, neuronal progenitor cells could develop into cortical projection neurons (CNPs) of all six layers, different types of inhibitory neurons, and glia. Additionally and in contrast to 2D conditions, 3D scaffolds supported the long-term culturing of neuronal networks over the course of 120 days. Network health and functionality were probed through calcium imaging, which revealed a strong spontaneous neuronal activity that combined individual and collective events. Taken together, our results highlight advanced microstructured 3D scaffolds as a reliable platform for the 3D in vitro modeling of neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Koroleva
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Deiwick
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lothar Koch
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yichen Shi
- Axol Bioscience Ltd., CB10 1XL Cambridge, UK
| | - Estefanía Estévez-Priego
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriaan-Alexander Ludl
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daria Guseva
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Chichkov
- Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
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11
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Faraji Rad Z, Prewett PD, Davies GJ. High-resolution two-photon polymerization: the most versatile technique for the fabrication of microneedle arrays. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:71. [PMID: 34567783 PMCID: PMC8433298 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microneedle patches have received much interest in the last two decades as drug/vaccine delivery or fluid sampling systems for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Microneedles are manufactured using a variety of additive and subtractive micromanufacturing techniques. In the last decade, much attention has been paid to using additive manufacturing techniques in both research and industry, such as 3D printing, fused deposition modeling, inkjet printing, and two-photon polymerization (2PP), with 2PP being the most flexible method for the fabrication of microneedle arrays. 2PP is one of the most versatile and precise additive manufacturing processes, which enables the fabrication of arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) prototypes directly from computer-aided-design (CAD) models with a resolution down to 100 nm. Due to its unprecedented flexibility and high spatial resolution, the use of this technology has been widespread for the fabrication of bio-microdevices and bio-nanodevices such as microneedles and microfluidic devices. This is a pioneering transformative technology that facilitates the fabrication of complex miniaturized structures that cannot be fabricated with established multistep manufacturing methods such as injection molding, photolithography, and etching. Thus, microstructures are designed according to structural and fluid dynamics considerations rather than the manufacturing constraints imposed by methods such as machining or etching processes. This article presents the fundamentals of 2PP and the recent development of microneedle array fabrication through 2PP as a precise and unique method for the manufacture of microstructures, which may overcome the shortcomings of conventional manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Faraji Rad
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, QLD 4300 Australia
| | - Philip D. Prewett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Oxacus Ltd, Dorchester-on-Thames, OX10 7HN UK
| | - Graham J. Davies
- Faculty of Engineering, UNSW Australia, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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12
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Ludl AA, Soriano J. Impact of Physical Obstacles on the Structural and Effective Connectivity of in silico Neuronal Circuits. Front Comput Neurosci 2020; 14:77. [PMID: 32982710 PMCID: PMC7488194 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2020.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffolds and patterned substrates are among the most successful strategies to dictate the connectivity between neurons in culture. Here, we used numerical simulations to investigate the capacity of physical obstacles placed on a flat substrate to shape structural connectivity, and in turn collective dynamics and effective connectivity, in biologically-realistic neuronal networks. We considered μ-sized obstacles placed in mm-sized networks. Three main obstacle shapes were explored, namely crosses, circles and triangles of isosceles profile. They occupied either a small area fraction of the substrate or populated it entirely in a periodic manner. From the point of view of structure, all obstacles promoted short length-scale connections, shifted the in- and out-degree distributions toward lower values, and increased the modularity of the networks. The capacity of obstacles to shape distinct structural traits depended on their density and the ratio between axonal length and substrate diameter. For high densities, different features were triggered depending on obstacle shape, with crosses trapping axons in their vicinity and triangles funneling axons along the reverse direction of their tip. From the point of view of dynamics, obstacles reduced the capacity of networks to spontaneously activate, with triangles in turn strongly dictating the direction of activity propagation. Effective connectivity networks, inferred using transfer entropy, exhibited distinct modular traits, indicating that the presence of obstacles facilitated the formation of local effective microcircuits. Our study illustrates the potential of physical constraints to shape structural blueprints and remodel collective activity, and may guide investigations aimed at mimicking organizational traits of biological neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan-Alexander Ludl
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Barcelona, Spain
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