Innovative 3D-Printed Microfluidic Bioreactor for Brain Organoids
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Microfluidic Bioreactors
Recent advancements in biotechnology have introduced a revolutionary 3D-printed microfluidic bioreactor designed for organ-on-chip cell culture. This innovative device allows for the cultivation of brain organoids at a remarkably low cost.
With a cost-effective $5 microchip that is both washable and reusable, researchers can now observe the development of these miniature brain structures in real-time through a microscope. Just a month ago, I reported on the creation of stem cell-derived brain organoids that matured similarly to human brains over 20 months. Now, scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai and MIT have successfully grown a brain organoid in just seven days.
The device, referred to as a “microfluidic bioreactor,” features a compact 4-by-6-centimeter chip equipped with small wells filled with nutrient-rich fluid, which is automatically cycled in and out — mimicking the natural fluid dynamics of the human brain. This method of culturing brain tissue in a controlled environment could potentially allow researchers to assess how individual brains respond to various medications.
Section 1.1: Advantages of Microfluidic Technology
While existing devices for growing brain organoids are typically sealed to prevent microbial contamination, this can hinder the addition of essential nutrients and the removal of waste, often leading to organoid failure.
“Our design costs are significantly lower than traditional petri dish or spin-bioreactor-based organoid culture products. In addition, the chip can be washed with distilled water, dried, and autoclaved, making it reusable.”
~ Ikram Khan, Co-First Author
Recent breakthroughs have tackled these challenges. The application of microfluidics enables nutrient delivery through tiny tubes connected to a compact chip. Although these microfluidic devices are often costly and complex to manufacture, 3D printing offers a solution by enabling the creation of an inexpensive, reusable platform at about $5 each.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of 3D Printing
Organoids cultivated with this method could greatly assist neuroscientists in developing robust brain models to study both healthy and diseased genetic conditions. Co-first author Chloé Delepine is utilizing this technique to conduct live imaging of organoids that model Rett Syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that is a leading genetic cause of autism in girls.
To prepare the bioreactor, a biocompatible resin is used for the 3D printing process. The printed chip is cured with UV light and subsequently sterilized. Nutrients and drugs are introduced through small inlet tubes, while the top of the wells is sealed with glass. Over a week, the brain tissues develop until they exhaust the available space.
Section 1.2: Observations and Outcomes
During the week-long observation, researchers noted that the cells multiplied and formed a structure resembling a ventricle, similar to the cavities found in real brains. This ventricle was enveloped by tissue that bore resemblance to the neocortex, the brain region responsible for higher-order functions such as reasoning and language comprehension.
Chapter 2: The Future of Brain Organoid Research
Although the growth of human brain organoids has been documented previously, this is the first instance of achieving such clear visibility and at such a low cost. Researchers are striving to make this technology widely accessible for healthcare applications around the globe. The team is also focused on enhancing this basic prototype to include additional wells and improved designs for integration with other instruments.
The first video titled "Growing 'Mini-Brains' in a Lab: Human Brain Organoids" explores the groundbreaking process of developing brain organoids and their implications for neuroscience.
The second video, "Application of 2D and 3D Cell Culture Systems | Clinical, Industrial and Research Applications," discusses the various applications of cell culture systems in different fields.