Bioprinting for Neural Tissue Engineering. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knowlton, Stephanie; Anand, Shivesh; Shah, Twisha; Tasoglu, Savas
• Is Part Of: Trends in neurosciences. Volume 41:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: biofabrication -- bioprinting -- neural tissue engineering -- neurological disease -- regenerative medicine; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-2236

Abstract

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. Highlights: Bioprinting can be applied for neural tissue engineering to create replacement tissues, disease models, and platforms for drug discovery. A range of useful bioinks have been developed, which balance cytocompatibility and cell-adhesive properties with printability and biomimetic mechanical properties. Bioprinting enables precise spatial patterning of cell types and scaffold properties in three dimensions. A few 3D neural models have been bioprinted successfully using extrusion, inkjet, and stereolithography techniques. Bioinks containing stem cells have been used and the cells can be differentiated into various neural cell types following printing.