3D Bioprinting of neural stem cells aiming the fabrication of neurogenic niches for the study of neurodegenerative diseases treatment

Abstract

3D bioprinting technology has been a promising alternative for tissue engineering, due to its capacity to construct highly organized structures through the well-controlled deposition of cells and biomaterials, forming tissues with similar characteristics to those found in the in vivo model, concerning the geometry, cells density and organization, composition of biomolecules and Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Due to its complex architecture, the in vitro reproduction of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and its neurogenic niches is difficult and compromises the advances of studies involving the treatment of neural diseases. The 3D bioprinting technology has greater capacity to fabricate constructs more similar to the CNS microenvironment, comparing to traditional approaches of 3D cell culture. However, there are still some challenges concerning the 3D bioprinting of CNS, such as its vascularization, the development of new hydrogels blends with structural and mechanical properties similar to the native ECM, capable to ensure cells viability during the bioprintig process and culture, in addition to the physiological responses in the animal model. Thus, this work aims the use of Neural Stem Cells (NSC), which actively participate in the neurogenesis process of the CNS, especially in the Subventricular Zone (SVZ), for 3D bioprinting of this neurogenic niche. This proposal represents great advance in the CNS engineering, being important for the studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms, critical factors that contribute to the development of neurodegeneratives diseases treatments. (AU)