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Tag: Tissue

  • Scientists Develop the Inaugural Model of Artificial Brain Tissue

    Scientists Develop the Inaugural Model of Artificial Brain Tissue

    For the first time, scientists have successfully grown functional brain tissue in the lab without using any animal-derived materials or natural biological coatings.
    Image Credits:guiadafarmacia

    For the first time, scientists have successfully grown functional brain tissue in the lab without using any animal-derived materials or natural biological coatings.

    Unlike the well-known organoids—often called mini-brains—these structures are simplified organs created from living cells and designed to closely mimic the natural brain environment.

    The Challenge of Animal-Based Coatings in Neural Tissue Engineering

    A major challenge in neural tissue engineering has been the dependence on animal-derived coatings, such as laminin, which help cells attach and grow. These poorly defined materials hinder reproducibility: one researcher may achieve good results, but others often fail to replicate them.

    At the same time, researchers still rely heavily on rodent brains, whose genetic and physiological differences from humans limit the applicability of their findings.

    Prince Okoro and his team at the University of California, Riverside (USA) have developed a novel scaffold using the widely available, chemically inert polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG).

    Although cells typically do not stick to PEG, attachment is essential for their growth. Okoro found a way to make PEG biologically active by shaping it into a porous, textured, and interconnected structure that replicates the intricate environment of the brain.

    Read the original article on:Guiadafarmacia

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  • Thawed Frozen Human Brain Tissue Functions Perfectly 18 Months Later

    Thawed Frozen Human Brain Tissue Functions Perfectly 18 Months Later

    In promising developments for future leaders in animation, a potential method for reviving frozen brains without causing damage may be on the horizon. Chinese scientists have created a new chemical mixture that enables frozen brain tissue to regain functionality.
    Scientists in China have developed a new chemical mix that can allow brain tissue to be frozen and thawed without damage. Credit: Depositphotos

    In promising developments for future leaders in animation, a potential method for reviving frozen brains without causing damage may be on the horizon. Chinese scientists have created a new chemical mixture that enables frozen brain tissue to regain functionality.

    Freezing is successful in preserving organic material by preventing decomposition, yet it inflicts damage. When water within the material freezes, the resulting ice crystals can tear apart the cells. This is why defrosted meat or fruit tends to become mushy.

    However, a more critical issue arises when organs or tissues intended for transplant or research undergo the same process.

    In their recent research, scientists at Fudan University in China conducted experiments with different chemical compounds to identify those capable of preserving living brain tissue during freezing.

    They began by assessing promising chemicals on brain organoids, which are small, artificially grown clusters of brain tissue that mature into various types of related cells.

    Chemical Protection and Freezing Process Evaluation

    Immersing the organoids in various chemicals, researchers then froze them in liquid nitrogen for 24 hours. Following this, they quickly thawed the organoids in warm water and monitored them over time to assess functionality, growth, and signs of cellular damage.

    The chemicals demonstrating the best protection for the mini-brains advanced to the next phase, involving testing different combinations in similar freezing and thawing experiments.

    After several rounds of testing, the researchers identified the most promising mixture, named MEDY, composed of methylcellulose, ethylene glycol, DMSO, and Y27632. Researchers grew mini-brains at various stages of development, ranging from four weeks to over three months. They then froze these mini-brains in MEDY, thawed them, and monitored them for several weeks afterward.

    Growth and Functionality Comparable to Unfrozen Organoids

    Remarkably, brain organoids preserved in MEDY exhibited growth and functional patterns similar to those never subjected to freezing. Intriguingly, one batch frozen in MEDY for up to 18 months still displayed comparable protections against damage upon thawing.

    Additionally, the team froze samples of living brain tissue obtained from a patient with epilepsy and found that MEDY offered protection from damage.

    Importantly, the process did not disrupt the structure of brain cells and preserved epilepsy pathologies. This significance lies in allowing samples to be frozen for future study or analysis without compromising the results due to the freezing process.

    This new freezing technology immediately enables the storage of brain organoids and samples for extended periods for biomedical research. However, its potential applications could eventually extend to whole brains and other tissues.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Scientists Invent New Method to Regenerate Muscle Tissue

    Scientists Invent New Method to Regenerate Muscle Tissue

    Cell Sheets Guided to Form Scaffold-Free Constructs Through Pillar-Based Anchoring for In Vitro Modeling. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2023), DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308552.

    In the realm of regenerative medicine, Evolved.Bio, a startup, is paving the way with groundbreaking technology that offers hope to individuals who have experienced significant muscle damage. This innovative approach promises effective muscle tissue regeneration, marking a significant advancement in the field.

    Overcoming Challenges in Tissue Replacement

    Other biotech companies’ traditional approaches involve using natural or synthetic materials combined with cells to create in vitro-grown tissue replacements.

    However, the patient’s body may perceive these implanted building blocks as foreign objects, potentially leading to medical complications or interference with the natural healing process.

    Evolved.Bio’s Unique Solution

    Evolved.Bio has introduced a method for crafting in-vitro tissue that addresses the challenges associated with traditional approaches. This method significantly enhances positive outcomes for patients by allowing cells to recreate all components and structures of healthy tissue outside the body.

    When implanted, these building blocks possess characteristics the body recognizes, guiding the patient’s cells to restore the tissue effectively.

    Advancing Scientific Frontiers

    The groundbreaking technique, “Anchored Cell Sheet Engineering,” provides a scaffold-free platform for in vitro modeling. The research paper detailing this innovation, titled “Anchored Cell Sheet Engineering: A Novel Scaffold-Free Platform for in vitro Modeling,” has been published in Advanced Functional Materials.

    Focus on Muscle Tissue Regeneration

    While the technology applies to various cell types and tissues, Evolved.Bio is concentrating on muscle tissue regeneration, particularly for volumetric muscle loss. Skeletal muscle tissue, responsible for movement in the human body, is the initial target for this regenerative technology.

    Volumetric muscle loss affects many individuals annually and has limited treatment options. Evolved.Bio aims to fill this gap by offering a solution to restore muscle function in patients who have suffered significant muscle loss.

    Multifaceted Applications

    Although Evolved.Bio’s technology has applications beyond muscle regeneration, including the potential for “cultivated meat” production, the company is primarily committed to advancing its muscle tissue method for regenerative medicine purposes.

    The founders, Alireza Shahin and John Cappuccitti, express their commitment to ending the suffering caused by inadequate solutions in regenerative medicine. Evolved.Bio envisions a future where its technology provides a permanent remedy for individuals seeking effective muscle function restoration.

    Velocity Incubator’s Impact

    Established at Velocity, the University of Waterloo’s startup incubator, Evolved.Bio acknowledges the crucial role the incubator has played in its development. Beyond providing essential facilities, Velocity has facilitated invaluable connections, fostering the growth of this emerging technology.

    “Being at Velocity has made an enormous difference in developing our tech, not just from a facility standpoint but also from a people standpoint by having staff and other founders around to help,” says John Cappuccitti, co-founder of Evolved.Bio.

    Read the original article on Advanced Functional Materials.

    Source: Alireza Shahin‐Shamsabadi et al, Anchored Cell Sheet Engineering: A Novel Scaffold‐Free Platform for in vitro Modeling, Advanced Functional Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308552

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