In a paper published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, researchers found that the printed tissue demonstrated the ability to “grow and function like normal brain tissue.”

Scientists emphasized the importance of this achievement and noted that it could become an extremely powerful model to help understand how cells in the human body and parts of the brain interact. This will impact the transformation of perspectives on stem cell biology, neurology, and understanding of the pathogenesis of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The researchers demonstrated their technique by printing tissue from the cerebral cortex and striatum. They also demonstrated the process by which neural connections form within and between these tissue types. In particular, there were signs of activity at the level of neurotransmitters, where signals are transmitted chemically across the synaptic cleft between neurons. This entire process has been successfully replicated and implemented in 3D printed fabrics.

An important feature of their method is the use of bio-ink, a gel of a certain density that binds cells and prevents excessive spreading of the tissue, allowing neurons and their processes to grow freely within the composition. In addition, emphasis was placed on horizontal rather than vertical pressure, which ensures optimal oxygen and nutrient supply to the thin layers of nervous tissue.