具有功能性神经网络类脑组织育成 为神经药物检测提供更可控途径

Core Insights - Scientists have successfully cultivated functional neural networks in brain-like tissue without using any animal-derived materials or biological coatings, marking a significant advancement in neuropharmaceutical testing [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Methodology - The core of this technology is a novel scaffold material made from polyethylene glycol (PEG), known for its chemical inertness, which typically prevents live cells from attaching and growing without animal-derived coatings [1] - The research team utilized an innovative microfluidic technique to create a complex, interconnected porous maze structure that allows donor brain cells to recognize and utilize the inert PEG material, ultimately forming functional neural networks [1][2] Group 2: Biological Environment and Applications - The porous structure not only provides physical support for cell attachment and growth but also efficiently circulates oxygen and nutrients, creating an ideal microenvironment for cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation [2] - Once matured, the cells exhibit donor-specific neural activity, enabling the simulation and study of neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or Alzheimer's disease, and allowing for direct assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity [2] Group 3: Future Plans - The current brain tissue model measures approximately two millimeters in width and is still in the preliminary stages, with plans to scale up the model to construct more complex brain region models [2] - The research team is also exploring the application of this technology to other organs, with a long-term vision of developing an interconnected organ-level culture system to simulate interactions between different organs in the human body [2]