Engineering lab-on-a-chip nervous system organoids for neuroprosthetic applications

用于神经修复应用的芯片神经系统类器官工程实验室

• 批准号: 2889429
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University of Strathclyde
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2889429
• 关键词: Engineering; lab; chip; nervous; system

Nervous system (NS) organoids, which are three-dimensional structures made from stem cells that mimic the developmental processes and architecture of the NS, have the potential to revolutionise neuroprosthetics research. Neuroprosthetics are devices that are designed to replace or augment the function of the nervous system, and their effectiveness depends on the ability to accurately detect and interpret neuronal activity. By using NS organoids to model different central or peripheral NS regions or study their development, we can gain a better understanding of the neural basis of neuro-machine interfaces and improve the design and performance of neuroprosthetics. Additionally, NS organoids can be used to study the long-term effects of neuroprosthetics on neuronal tissue structure and function, and to identify potential side effects or complications. The combination of organoid models with engineering approaches such as microfluidics and biomaterials that mimic human physiology may facilitate the development of more effective and biologically compatible neuroprosthetics for restoring sensory or motor function in individuals with neurological disorders or injuries. The goal of this project is to create a series of nervous system organoids that can be used to aid in the development of biologically compatible neuroprosthetics.The objectives of this multidisciplinary project include: - Biomaterials (Obj1): creating a series of hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrices of different nervous system regions. - Cell culture (Obj2): selecting, culturing, and expanding neuronal and non-neuronal cells to be later encapsulated within hydrogels using microfluidics. - Microfluidics (Obj3): developing droplet-based microfluidic devices for high-throughput organoid fabrication. - Organoid analysis (Obj4): characterising the physiological, biomechanical, and developmental properties of the organoids over time. - Electrodes (Obj5): developing lab-on-a-chip devices for simulating and recording the activity of neurons (in central nervous system organoids) and nerves (in peripheral nervous system organoids).This project brings together my research objectives, which focus on developing a mechanical fingerprint of the nervous system, and the interests of a potential PhD student in developing peripheral sensory neural electrodes for neuroprosthetic applications.

神经系统（NS）类器官是由干细胞制成的三维结构，模仿神经系统的发育过程和结构，有可能彻底改变神经假体研究。神经假体是旨在替代或增强神经系统功能的装置，其有效性取决于准确检测和解释神经元活动的能力。通过使用 NS 类器官对不同的中枢或外周 NS 区域进行建模或研究它们的发育，我们可以更好地了解神经机器接口的神经基础，并改进神经假体的设计和性能。此外，NS 类器官可用于研究神经修复术对神经元组织结构和功能的长期影响，并识别潜在的副作用或并发症。类器官模型与模仿人类生理学的微流体和生物材料等工程方法相结合，可能有助于开发更有效且生物相容的神经假体，以恢复患有神经系统疾病或损伤的个体的感觉或运动功能。该项目的目标是创建一系列神经系统类器官，可用于帮助开发生物相容性神经假体。该多学科项目的目标包括： - 生物材料（Obj1）：创建一系列模仿神经系统的水凝胶不同神经系统区域的细胞外基质。 - 细胞培养 (Obj2)：选择、培养和扩增神经元和非神经元细胞，随后使用微流体将其封装在水凝胶中。 - 微流体 (Obj3)：开发基于液滴的微流体装置，用于高通量类器官制造。 - 类器官分析 (Obj4)：表征类器官随时间的生理、生物力学和发育特性。 - 电极（Obj5）：开发芯片实验室设备，用于模拟和记录神经元（中枢神经系统类器官）和神经（周围神经系统类器官）的活动。该项目汇集了我的研究目标，重点是关于开发神经系统的机械指纹，以及潜在博士生对开发用于神经假体应用的外周感觉神经电极的兴趣。