image: The agarose provided a low adsorption surface to form neural spheroid, and Pt wire electrode was pre-inserted to obtain interior signal recording without damage. The device allows for electrophysiology study from both interior and exterior of the neural spheroid and building neural tract connection model by employing simultaneous fading sinusoidal signals to stimulate 2 close neural spheroids. This platform has the potential to be expanded for use in various applications, including the internal supply of nutrients, real-time sensing, and organoids-based multi-brain region connection models.
Credit: Sumin Bian, School of Engineering, Westlake University.
A research paper by scientists at Westlake University presented a novel 3D cell culturing and noninvasive characterization technique of neural spheroids, holding a potential application in development of brain organoids.
The new research paper, published on Mar. 5 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, designed a wire-embedded 3D neural spheroid culture device that not only supports the culture and growth of neural spheroids but also facilitates real-time monitoring of both interior and exterior neural signals without damage.
“In recent years, the field of in vitro neural tissue modeling has undergone substantial advancements, providing researchers with powerful tools to investigate the complexities of neural circuitry. For instance, Osaki et al. explored an in vitro neural tissue model for interregional connections, connecting 2 cerebral organoids using a bundle of reciprocally extended axons. The interconnected organoids displayed a more intricate and robust oscillatory activity compared to conventional or directly fused cerebral organoids, indicating that axonal connections between organoids augment and sustain complex network behaviors. These groundbreaking studies herald the advent of novel pathways for elucidating the intricacies of the human brain.” explained study author Sumin Bian, a professor at Westlake University. Based on recent advances in neuroscience, the authors introduce an innovative in vitro neuroglobular model specifically designed to study interregional neural connections. The model incorporates a novel line embedded device that supports the cultivation and growth of neuroglobules in a controlled environment.
“In this study, a novel wire-inserted cell culture device for noninvasive recording signals from inside NCs of spheroids was proposed, enabling the systematic investigation of their structural and functional properties. While our culturing device for neural spheroids offers numerous advantages and insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations.” said Sumin Bian. Totally, authors have presented a novel wire-inserted cell culture device that substantially elevates the capacity to noninvasively record signals from within neural spheroids. This approach not only permits a systematic examination of structural and functional properties of neural spheroids but also exhibits numerous advantages over existing methods. Our device fosters the successful cultivation and integration of axons within the spheroids, establishing robust interconnections between paired neural spheroids. This represents a pivotal advancement in modeling intricate neural networks and elucidating their dynamics.
Authors of the paper include Hongyong Zhang, Nan Huang, Sumin Bian, Mohamad Sawan.
This research was supported by Westlake University and the Research Center for Industries of the Future of Westlake University (grant no. WU2022C040).
The paper, “Platinum Wire-Embedded Culturing Device for Interior Signal Recording from Lollipop-Shaped Neural Spheroids” was published in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems on Mar 5, 2025, at DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0220.