Unlocking Brain Potential: How 3D-Printed Environments Boost Neuron Growth

Researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have developed an exciting new way to study how neurons connect in the brain. They created a 3D-printed environment that closely mimics the soft, complex structure of brain tissue. This innovation uses tiny pillars, called nanopillars, to replicate the brain’s natural environment and understand how neuron networks form. This is particularly relevant for exploring diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism spectrum disorders.

Traditional methods use flat, rigid petri dishes that don’t reflect the brain’s true setting. The researchers took a different approach by employing advanced 3D laser printing techniques, known as two-photon polymerization, to create these nanopillar arrays. Each pillar is thousands of times thinner than a human hair, which tricks the neurons into believing they are in a soft, supportive space. This illusion makes a significant difference in how neurons grow and connect with each other.

The team tested this model by growing different types of neuronal cells on the nanopillars. Unlike in flat dishes, where neurons tend to grow randomly, the 3D-printed pillars guided them to form orderly networks. Neurons began connecting at specific angles, creating a more realistic representation of how they would behave in the brain.

Notably, the study uncovered important new details about how neurons develop. On the nanopillars, growth cones—structures that help neurons find their way—stretched out long extensions in all directions, mimicking the behavior seen in the brain’s natural environment. This is a critical aspect of neuronal development, as it facilitates new connections.

George Flamourakis, the lead author of the study, emphasized that the nanopillars also support neuron maturation. Neural progenitor cells grown in this 3D environment showed higher levels of markers typically associated with mature neurons compared to those grown on flat surfaces.

Associate Professor Angelo Accardo noted that while soft materials like gels can also encourage neuron growth, they often lack the precise structures needed for consistent results. The nanopillar arrays strike a balance, offering a soft-like environment paired with nanoscale features, making the growth conditions more reliable and replicable.

This groundbreaking model not only sheds light on how healthy brain networks function but also opens new avenues for understanding neurological disorders. As researchers delve deeper into these neuron networks, valuable insights could emerge, helping to pave the way for potential treatments and therapies.

Journal Reference:

1. George Flamourakis, Qiangrui Dong, Dimitri Kromm, Selina Teurlings, et al. Deciphering the Influence of Effective Shear Modulus on Neuronal Network Directionality and Growth Cones’ Morphology via Laser-Assisted 3D-printed Nanostructured Arrays. Advanced Functional Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202409451

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Brain,Neurons