New 3D brain-like tissue offers neurological research potential

Scientists in the US have created a new type of tissue that mirrors the structure and function of the brain, opening up potential new avenues for research.

The team from Tufts University in Boston developed the functional 3D tissue to exhibit grey-white matter compartmentalisation in the same manner as a real brain. The material consists of two biomaterials and can survive in the lab for more than two months.

Current research models for brain activity involve neurons grown in petri dishes, but these 2D structures are unable to replicate the complex structural organisation of authentic brain tissue – a problem this new 3D tissue solution addresses.

It means scientists will be able to simulate and study chemical and electrical changes that occur in the brain following traumatic injury or in response to a drug.

Study lead Dr David Kaplan, professor of engineering at Tufts University, said: "The hope is that use of this model could lead to an acceleration of therapies for brain dysfunction, as well as offer a better way to study normal brain physiology."

Dr Kaplan is an expert in biopolymer engineering and structure-function relationships, specialising in self-assembly, biomaterials engineering and functional tissue engineering/regenerative medicine applications.