Recent Development of Brain Organoids for Biomedical Application

Macromol Biosci. 2023 Mar;23(3):e2200346. doi: 10.1002/mabi.202200346. Epub 2022 Dec 18.

Abstract

Over the years, scientists have studied the behavior and anatomy of many animals to understand the own species. However, despite the continuous efforts, it is often difficult to know for certain how the brain works due to the differences between the brains of animals and the human brain. While the use of animal models for research continues, the origin of human cognition and neurological disorders needs further elucidation. To that end, in vitro organoids that exhibit in vivo characteristics of the human brain have been recently developed. These brain-like organoids enable researchers to dive deeper into understanding the human brain, its neurological structures, and the causes of neurological pathologies. This paper reviews the recent developments in the regeneration of brain-like organoids using Matrigel and other alternatives. Further, gel-free methods that may enhance the regeneration process of organoids are discussed. Finally, the vascularized brain organoid growth and development in both in vitro and in vivo conditions are detailed.

Keywords: brain organoids; human embryonic stem cells; neurological disorders; pluripotent stem cells; vascularized brain organoids.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Animal
  • Organoids*