Neural tissue model
Modeling the nervous system
Products used:
Aim
Specialized bioinks support neural network formation
In the first experiment, CELLINK mixed iPSC-derived motor neurons in a high concentration (30 million cells per mL bioink) with CELLINK’s LAMININK bioink. The constructs are small droplets generated using the Droplet Bioprinting function on the BIO X. The iPSC-derived motor neurons were GFP-labeled to enable easy live-cell monitoring under a fluorescent microscope.
After 17 days of culture, fluorescent microscopy showed network formation between clusters via motor neuron extensions from one cluster to another in all directions. This demonstrates the cell-cell behavior and cell-matrix behavior in 3D.
Self-organization of motor neurons
Using multiphoton microscopy, closer examination of the constructs conducted at the Center for Cellular Imaging in Gothenburg, Sweden showed that the cell clusters are made of loosely aggregating motor neurons with short extensions between cells. In addition, matrix accumulation is also evident between the cells.
In the video going through the sequential Z-plane images, the distribution and morphology of the cells (yellow) and matrix (white) can be seen.