Recent Development of Brain Organoids for Biomedical Application

Abstract

Over the years, scientists have studied the behavior and anatomy of many animals to understand the own species. However, despite the continuous efforts, it is often difficult to know for certain how the brain works due to the differences between the brains of animals and the human brain. While the use of animal models for research continues, the origin of human cognition and neurological disorders needs further elucidation. To that end, in vitro organoids that exhibit in vivo characteristics of the human brain have been recently developed. These brain-like organoids enable researchers to dive deeper into understanding the human brain, its neurological structures, and the causes of neurological pathologies. This paper reviews the recent developments in the regeneration of brain-like organoids using Matrigel and other alternatives. Further, gel-free methods that may enhance the regeneration process of organoids are discussed. Finally, the vascularized brain organoid growth and development in both in vitro and in vivo conditions are detailed.

Use of Brain-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells and Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Repair Damaged Neural Tissues: Lessons Learned from Connective Tissue Repair Regarding Variables Limiting Progress and Approaches to Overcome Limitations

“…Nearly 30 years ago in the 1990s, it was reported that cells with stem cell attributes could be isolated from the brains of adult rodents [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The cells were labelled NSC, and isolation of the cells and exposure to a “cocktail” of in vitro conditions containing growth factors led to the development of aggregates or organoids of these cells labeled “neurospheres” [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Such findings were confirmed and set off an extensive research effort to investigate how best to use these cells to potentially repair brain centres damaged by neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and others such as Multiple Sclerosis, which affect so many people, as well as diseases which are projected to affect so many more individuals going forward [ 10 , 11 ] or brains affected by conditions such as Cerebral Palsy [ 12 ].…”

Digitoids: a novel computational platform for mimicking oxygen-dependent firing dynamics inin vitroneuronal networks

“…In vitro models of neural tissues are emerging as a promising, more ethical and accessible way to study brain pathophysiology with respect to animal models. Indeed, their high controllability and observability have allowed the investigation of neurotoxicity, neuroprotection, drug screening and therapeutic assessment for different neuropathies [1][2][3]. The electrophysiological behaviour of cultured neuronal networks can be studied via patch-clamp, calcium imaging and microelectrode arrays (MEAs) [4].…”