3D neural tissue models: From spheroids to bioprinting

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro neural tissue models provide a better recapitulation of in vivo cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Therefore, the former is believed to have great potential for both mechanistic and translational studi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomaterials 2018-02, Vol.154, p.113-133
Main Authors: Zhuang, Pei, Sun, Alfred Xuyang, An, Jia, Chua, Chee Kai, Chew, Sing Yian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3D printing
Glial cells
Nerve regeneration
Neurodegenerative diseases
Neurons
Traumatic nerve injuries
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Summary:Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro neural tissue models provide a better recapitulation of in vivo cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Therefore, the former is believed to have great potential for both mechanistic and translational studies. In this paper, we review the recent developments in 3D in vitro neural tissue models, with a particular focus on the emerging bioprinted tissue structures. We draw on specific examples to describe the merits and limitations of each model, in terms of different applications. Bioprinting offers a revolutionary approach for constructing repeatable and controllable 3D in vitro neural tissues with diverse cell types, complex microscale features and tissue level responses. Further advances in bioprinting research would likely consolidate existing models and generate complex neural tissue structures bearing higher fidelity, which is ultimately useful for probing disease-specific mechanisms, facilitating development of novel therapeutics and promoting neural regeneration.
ISSN:0142-9612
1878-5905
DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.002