Spinal Cord Neuronal Network Formation in a 3D Printed Reinforced Matrix-A Model System to Study Disease Mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: 3D cell cultures allow a better mimicry of the biological and mechanical environment of cells in vivo compared to 2D cultures. However, 3D cell cultures have been challenging for ultrasoft tissues such as the brain. The present study uses a microfiber reinforcement approach combining mouse primary spinal cord neurons in Matrigel with melt electrowritten (MEW) frames. Within these 3D constructs, neuronal network development is followed for 21 days in vitro. To evaluate neuronal development in 3D constructs, the maturation of inhibitory glycinergic synapses is analyzed using protein expression, the complex mechanical properties by assessing nonlinearity, conditioning, and stress relaxation, and calcium imaging as readouts. Following adaptation to the 3D matrix-frame, mature inhibitory synaps

SUBMITTER: Fischhaber N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11469053 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature