3D Printing/Jobs/Education/Universities
3D Printing nerve networks with living neurons.
Medical research with a revolutionary breakthrough has taken place that promises to reshape the way we understand and explore the human nervous system. Engineers have achieved a milestone that was once thought to be the stuff of science fiction – the creation of 3D nerve networks using “bioinks” infused with living neurons. This innovative technique opens the door to crafting 3D neural circuits that closely emulate the intricate connections found within the human brain. At the heart of this scientific marvel lies the ingenious use of “bioinks.” These bioinks are not ordinary inks but specially formulated materials teeming with living neurons. Researchers have harnessed the power of these bioinks to bridge the gap between gray and white matter, a feat previously deemed extraordinarily challenging.
One of the key highlights of this groundbreaking achievement is the faithful replication of the brain’s gray-and-white matter arrangement. Two distinct bioinks were employed in this process: one infused with living cells and the other without. This approach closely mimics the natural architecture of the human brain, where gray matter (comprising cell bodies and dendrites) and white matter (comprising axons) coexist. The results of this pioneering work are nothing short of astonishing. The 3D neural structures that emerged from this process are a testament to the possibilities of modern engineering. These structures not only replicate the gray-and-white matter arrangement but also exhibit authentic connections. Neurites, the thread-like extensions of nerve cells, intricately link different cortex layers within these 3D neural circuits, mirroring the complexity of the human brain.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this achievement is the newfound life within these 3D-printed nerve networks. These bioprinted networks exhibit spontaneous nerve activity, akin to the firing of neurons in a living brain. They respond to stimuli, a behavior that was once thought to be exclusive to organic neural networks. The implications of this advance are profound. It ushers in a new era of neurological research, offering a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, drug effects on the nervous system, and the intricacies of neural activity. These 3D-printed nerve networks serve as a powerful tool for unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.
As we stand on the precipice of a new frontier in neuroscience and bioprinting, the work of these engineers at Monash University serves as a beacon of hope. Their success in creating 3D nerve networks that come to life within the laboratory holds the promise of transformative discoveries and breakthroughs that could change the landscape of medicine as we know it.
3D-Printed Nerve Networks Come Alive. Research Article/Open Access. Yue Yao, Harold A. Coleman, Laurence Meagher, John S. Forsythe, Helena C. Parkington. First published: 27 June 2023. 3D Functional Neuronal Networks in Free-Standing Bioprinted Hydrogel Constructs.
Source: Monash University. In the laboratories of Monash University, engineering researchers have accomplished the seemingly impossible. They have used “bioinks” infused with living nerve cells, or neurons, to 3D-print nerve networks that not only grow but also transmit and respond to nerve signals. This achievement is more than a scientific marvel; it is a testament to human ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of modern medicine.
Revolutionizing 3D Printing with AI MIT’s style2Fab tool.
As 3D printers have become more affordable and accessible, a growing community of makers, both experienced and novice, has emerged. These individuals rely on free, open-source repositories filled with user-generated 3D models that they can download and create using their 3D printers. However, customizing these models has often been a complex and challenging task, requiring expensive computer-aided design (CAD) software and significant expertise. MIT researchers recognized this challenge and decided to tackle it head-on. They developed Style2Fab, an AI-driven tool designed to simplify the process of adding custom design elements to 3D models. What makes Style2Fab truly remarkable is that it allows users to describe their desired design using natural language prompts, eliminating the need for CAD software and technical expertise. The driving force behind Style2Fab is deep-learning algorithms. These algorithms automatically divide a 3D model into two key segments: aesthetic and functional. The aesthetic segments can be customized, while the functional segments remain unchanged to ensure the object’s proper functionality.
To achieve this, Style2Fab employs machine learning to analyze the model’s topology, identifying segments where changes in geometry occur. These changes, such as curves or angles where two planes connect, help determine what parts of the model are functional. However, because 3D models can vary significantly, these initial recommendations are subject to user validation. Users can easily classify any segment as aesthetic or functional. Once the segmentation is complete, users can describe their desired design using natural language. For instance, a user could request a “rough, multicolor Chinoiserie planter” or a phone case “in the style of Moroccan art.” Style2Fab’s AI system, Text2Mesh, then interprets these prompts to modify the aesthetic segments of the model. It can add texture, adjust color, or alter shape to match the user’s criteria, all while preserving the functional aspects of the object.
Style2Fab’s user interface simplifies the entire process. Users need only a few clicks and input their design preferences to generate a customized 3D model. In a study conducted by MIT, makers of varying expertise levels found Style2Fab valuable. Novices appreciated its ease of use, while experienced users enjoyed the workflow acceleration and advanced customization options it offered. The potential applications of Style2Fab are vast. Beyond enhancing the 3D printing experience for hobbyists and professionals, it could play a significant role in medical making. Personalizing assistive devices by considering both aesthetics and functionality can lead to higher patient compliance. For example, a user could customize the appearance of a thumb splint to match their clothing without affecting its functionality. MIT researchers are continuously improving Style2Fab, with plans to provide fine-grained control over physical properties and geometry. They aim to make it even easier for users to create custom 3D models from scratch. Additionally, a collaboration with Google on a follow-up project is in progress. In a world where customization and accessibility are increasingly vital, Style2Fab is a shining example of how AI can revolutionize 3D printing and empower individuals to bring their unique ideas to life.
By embracing AI and simplifying the 3D printing process, MIT’s Style2Fab is poised to democratize design and manufacturing, opening up a world of possibilities for makers and innovators across various industries.
