Bio-engineered neuronal organoids from human stem cellsIn vitro 3D modeling of neural tissues represents a powerful tissue bioengineering tool permitting the study of complex neuronal cell systems. Despite the advances in human neuronal organoid generation, there still exist numerous deficiencies limiting the utility of existing neuronal organoids. Scientists at the University Medical Center of University Göttingen developed a robust, reproducible and fully defined method for serum-free production of human bio-engineered neuronal Organoids (BENOs) from stem cells having functional neuronal network activity. ChallengeDespite the advances in human organoid generation, there are numerous deficiencies limiting the use of existing neuronal organoids. For example, organoids produced by today's methods commonly display high phenotypic variability. This is partially due to a routine use of Matrigel as a neurogenesis supporting substrate. Our SolutionScientists at the University of Göttingen, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, developed a robust, reproducible and fully defined method for serum-free production of human bio-engineered neuronal organoids (BENOs) from stem cells. This new method will permit both, (i) a robust and reproducible neuronal differentiation in a well-defined 3D cell culture system and (ii) assessment of neuronal network performance. Advantages
Applications
Spontaneous and induced calcium activity. Representative calcium measurement of gabaergic network activity at day 32:
Developmental StatusThe new method has been successfully established resulting in human BENOs with fully functional neuronal network activity. Furthermore, a screening platform is currently developed into an automated process. Patent StatusWe have filed a priority patent application (Applicant: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen public law foundation). ContactDr. Stefan Uhle |