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3D Bioprinting Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Neural Tissues Using a Fibrin-Based Bioink
Milena Restan Perez1, Ruchi Sharma2, Nadia Zeina Masri3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada.
Biomolecules
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Researchers bioprinted patient stem cells into neural tissues to create personalized models for neurodegenerative diseases. This 3D bioprinting approach shows promise for future drug screening and disease modeling.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Current neurodegenerative disease treatments manage symptoms but do not halt disease progression.
- Advancements in disease modeling and drug development are crucial for effective neurological treatments.
- 3D bioprinting offers a rapid and reproducible method for engineering tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer personalized neural tissues using patient-derived stem cells and 3D bioprinting.
- To investigate the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into dopaminergic neurons (DNs).
- To assess the potential of these engineered tissues for personalized disease modeling and drug screening.
Main Methods:
- Adipose tissue-derived MSCs were bioprinted using a fibrin-based bioink and a microfluidic RX1 bioprinter.
- Engineered tissues were cultured for 12 days with specific growth factors and small molecules (SB431542, LDN-193189, purmorphamine, FGF8, bFGF, BDNF) to induce differentiation.
- Analysis included neural marker expression (TH, TUJ1), dopamine release, and electrophysiological activity.
Main Results:
- Differentiated cells expressed dopaminergic neuron-specific (tyrosine hydroxylase) and early neuronal (class III beta-tubulin) markers after 12 days.
- Engineered neural tissues demonstrated immature electrical signaling upon potassium chloride stimulation.
- Successful differentiation of MSCs into functional neural-like cells was achieved.
Conclusions:
- 3D bioprinting of patient-derived MSCs can create personalized neural tissues.
- This approach holds potential for developing patient-specific disease models for neurodegenerative conditions.
- Engineered neural tissues can serve as a valuable platform for personalized drug screening.
