Advances in 3D neuronal microphysiological systems: towards a functional nervous system on a chip

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Microphysiological systems (MPS) have advanced the study of nervous system complexities in 2D and 3D.
• Recent brain organoid development allows recapitulation of human nervous system connectivities.
• A gap exists between 2D cultures and complex 3D MPS for nervous system research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in human tissue culture methodologies for nervous system research.
• To bridge the gap between 2D cultures and hierarchical 3D MPS.
• To outline the development of a robust nervous system-on-a-chip platform.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and emerging culture methodologies for human nervous system tissues.
• Focus on techniques enabling the transition from 2D to 3D microphysiological systems.
• Exploration of strategies for creating hierarchical and defined 3D constructs.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in MPS allow detailed assessment of neuronal tissue interconnectivity.
• Brain organoids increasingly mimic structural, functional, and effective connectivities of the human nervous system.
• Progress in culture methods facilitates the development of sophisticated 3D MPS.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in culture methodologies are crucial for developing a comprehensive nervous system-on-a-chip platform.
• These developments have broad implications for basic science, drug discovery, and translational medicine.
• The integration of brain organoids and MPS promises to revolutionize neuroscience research.