Bioprinting for Neural Tissue Engineering

Stephanie Knowlton; Shivesh Anand; Twisha Shah; Savas Tasoglu

doi:10.1016/j.tins.2017.11.001

Bioprinting for Neural Tissue Engineering

Trends Neurosci. 2018 Jan;41(1):31-46. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Dec 6.

Authors

Stephanie Knowlton¹, Shivesh Anand², Twisha Shah³, Savas Tasoglu⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; These authors contributed equally.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; These authors contributed equally.
³ Departement of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
⁴ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; The Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. Electronic address: savas.tasoglu@uconn.edu.

PMID: 29223312
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.11.001

Abstract

Bioprinting is a method by which a cell-encapsulating bioink is patterned to create complex tissue architectures. Given the potential impact of this technology on neural research, we review the current state-of-the-art approaches for bioprinting neural tissues. While 2D neural cultures are ubiquitous for studying neural cells, 3D cultures can more accurately replicate the microenvironment of neural tissues. By bioprinting neuronal constructs, one can precisely control the microenvironment by specifically formulating the bioink for neural tissues, and by spatially patterning cell types and scaffold properties in three dimensions. We review a range of bioprinted neural tissue models and discuss how they can be used to observe how neurons behave, understand disease processes, develop new therapies and, ultimately, design replacement tissues.

Keywords: biofabrication; bioprinting; neural tissue engineering; neurological disease; regenerative medicine.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Bioprinting* / methods
Humans
Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
Nervous System Diseases / therapy
Neurons* / cytology
Neurons* / physiology
Tissue Engineering / methods*