Abstract
In vitro cell and tissue cultures are indispensable tools for brain research, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) tissue models are increasingly used as disease systems to understand complex cell–cell interactions and tissue functions. Here, we describe a bioengineered 3D in vitro brain tissue model that presents cortical tissue-like cell compartmentalization and mechanical property, long-term tissue growth and neurophysiological functions. The 3D model’s brain-mimetic properties enabled recapitulation of dynamic tissue responses to TBI, as demonstrated with an experimental weight-drop injury setup. Here, we provide an overview of the design principles of the 3D brain tissue model and detailed instructions on constructing the model from raw materials (silkworm cocoons, hydrogel, cells), and on conducting mechanical testing and injury experiments. We describe downstream analytic assays for evaluation of the 3D tissue model and expected outcomes. Materials and methods described in this protocol can be adapted to other 3D culture systems.
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Acknowledgments
We thank David Kaplan and the Kaplan laboratory at Tufts University for support.
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Tang-Schomer, M.D. (2018). Three-Dimensional In Vitro Brain Tissue Models. In: Srivastava, A., Cox, C. (eds) Pre-Clinical and Clinical Methods in Brain Trauma Research. Neuromethods, vol 139. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8564-7_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8564-7_2
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