Advanced materials and biofabrication technologies to design in vitro functional central nervous system models

Share on
18/10/2023
Advanced materials and biofabrication technologies to design in vitro functional central nervous system models

Frontiers in Medical Engineering , 4 October 2023

Advanced materials and biofabrication technologies to design  in vitro  functional central nervous system models

Traldi C 1,2,3† , Chiappini V 4† , Menduti G 4 , Tonda-Turo C 1,2,3†* , Boido M 4†

Nowadays, the pathophysiology of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders is still poorly understood, making difficult the identification of efficient treatments. CNS damages, due to neurodegenerative conditions or injuries, often result in permanent neuronal dysfunctions and serious impairments of motor, sensory and cognitive capacities. Despite the many attempts of pharmaceutical research to promote neural regeneration, poor progresses have been made in effectively restoring nervous functionality.

Indeed, most of the experimental drugs show limited efficacy in the clinical trials, also due to existing preclinical models’ inability in fully replicating the complexity of CNS pathophysiology. Therefore, tissue-engineered three-dimensional (3D) models are being extensively explored to develop novel representative  in vitro  platforms, which more carefully replicate the architecture of neural microenvironment, including both cellular and extracellular components.

In this respect, 3D  in vitro  models are expected to be promising and comprehensive tools for investigating CNS diseases and testing new drug compounds , as they overcome some of the common limitations of traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. This review discusses the main challenges to be addressed in CNS modeling, analyzing the key elements involved in neural tissue engineering.

fmede-01-1270943-g001

Schematic diagram of the key elements for the design of  in vitro  3D CNS models and intended application. Created with  BioRender.com

Specifically, an overview of the mostly used neural cell sources and biomaterials is provided, focusing on the critical aspects to consider in selecting the appropriate components according to the application. Different methods adopted to modulate the structural and functional properties of the engineered microenvironment are also presented, aimed at fostering  in vitro  tissue maturation.

Lastly, the latest advances in biofabrication technologies are outlined, reviewing the most recent 3D bioprinted  in vitro  systems and microfluidic-based 3D platforms , starting from the modeling of distinctive CNS pathophysiological mechanisms to the designing of refined and functional  in vivo -like neural microtissues.

read full article

fmede-01-1270943-g005

Engineering neural tissue by using microfluidic-based 3D platforms. Illustration of the different system components, design and potential future applications. Created with  BioRender.com

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Turin, Italy
Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

Events & Meetings

17 october 2024

Workshop on Mental Health in Academia and Virtuous Academic Culture

Coordination: Dr. Fernando Josa Prado &  Dr. Stefano Zucca , MSCA Fellows