Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
Innervating 3D in vitro models: bioengineering and design blueprints
Mariana-Tomás de Carvalho1, Margarida Henriques-Pereira1, Maria V Monteiro1
1Department of Chemistry, Centre for Research in Ceramics and Composite Materials (CICECO)-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Cellularis Biomodels, Parque de Ciência e Inovação (PCI) Creative Science Park, Aveiro Region, Via do Conhecimento, 3830-352 Ílhavo, Portugal.
Researchers are developing advanced 3D models that mimic the body's natural nerve connections (innervation). These bioengineered platforms aim to improve tissue regeneration and study tumor-nerve interactions for better human in vitro models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Innervation is crucial for tissue homeostasis, disease progression, and repair.
- Current human in vitro models lack the complex innervation found in native tissues.
- Emulating bioinstructive nerve influences is key to enhancing organotypic models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for creating innervated 3D tissue models.
- To highlight advances in bioengineering living platforms for studying innervation.
- To explore applications in tissue regeneration and tumor-nerve interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on generating innervated 3D models.
- Analysis of bioengineering approaches for creating living platforms.
- Examination of design blueprints for innervated tissue models.
Main Results:
- Identification of latest strategies for mimicking native innervation patterns.
- Highlighting recent advances in bioengineered living platforms.
- Overview of challenges and potential biomedical breakthroughs.
Conclusions:
- Innervated 3D models offer significant potential for advancing regenerative medicine.
- These models can provide new insights into disease mechanisms, such as tumor-nerve interplay.
- Further bioengineering efforts are needed to overcome current challenges and realize full biomedical potential.
