Research Fellow Cho Seung-woo (Professor of Biotechnology, Yonsei University) at the Institute of Basic Science (IBS, President Noh Do-young) developed a ‘brain organoid culture platform’ that embodies an environment similar to the real human brain. It has matured close to the level of a newborn’s brain, and it is made more than twice as large as the previous one.
‘Brain organoids’ are in the spotlight as an optimal model for brain research. It can be produced by culturing induced pluripotent stem cells. However, existing brain organoids remain at the fetal level. This is because the environment necessary for brain development cannot be realized. In addition, as the organoids grew, it was difficult to supply oxygen and nutrients to the center, causing cell death.
The researchers overcome this limitation with nanotechnology. Developed a ‘3D hydrogel’ in the form of a jelly similar to the brain microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (protein that forms and supports tissue structure by filling the space between cells) of the brain from which cells have been removed was utilized. This made it possible to create the biochemical and physical environment necessary for brain development.
Furthermore, by introducing a ‘microfluidic chip’ composed of fine channels, the flow of the culture medium is precisely adjusted to effectively supply oxygen and the culture medium to the center.
As a result of the culture experiment, the neuroepithelium (nerve cell layer tissue that develops into the cerebral cortex) that constitutes the cerebral cortex developed, and a large amount of brain wrinkles were generated. In addition, various brain cells such as neurons, astrocytes, and microglia were expressed more than the conventional method. Brain structure and function have become more mature.
It has grown to a level of 4-5 mm, which is about twice as large as the existing brain organoids (2-3 mm), and the nerve function has been improved. According to the experiment, the research team confirmed that it grows up to 8 mm. This made it possible to create artificial brains that were significantly larger and more developed than before.
Research Fellow Cho Seung-woo said, “We have developed a new brain organoid culture platform that overcomes existing limitations using nanotechnology.
Daejeon = Reporter Kim Young-jun kyj85@etnews.com
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