Successfully developed three-dimensional structural tissue

American scientists have succeeded in developing a type of tissue with a three-dimensional structure of the rat brain and can live in the laboratory for more than two months . This work was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Scientists have created a complex structure , using two types of biological materials with different physical properties, including a scaffolding of the porous protein fibers such as sponges and soft collagen. The protein structure is cut into a circle and implanted into the neuron of the mouse.

Tissue has a three-dimensional structure.(Photo: Tufts University)

Next, the scientists inject collagen into the center of the protein circle, the glue will quickly penetrate through the gap and thereby stimulate neurons to grow. A few days later, nerve cells grow into clusters in the hollow chambers of the protein structure, forming a solid network that is structured as a complex circuit in the rat brain.

Tufts University's research leader Professor David Kaplan said the successful development of the tissue could provide new options for studying brain activity, diseases, shock and therapies for treating brain diseases.

According to them, the study of artificial tissue can help scientists understand the response of brain tissue to serious injuries to have a final conclusion about the cause as well as treatment and examination of the effects. Traumatic post-trauma, which has effects on cells, electrophysiological and altered activity with neurological properties. For example, when releasing a heavy object on artificial tissue to cause a major injury, tissue produces high-level glutamate, a neurotransmitter, secreted by cells after each brain injury.

In addition, Professor Kaplan stressed the importance of artificial tissue lifespan to be useful for studying brain disorders symptoms. Previously, scientists have sought to cultivate nerve cells in colloidal environments. However, these types of artificial tissue have a low life expectancy and do not thrive.