What if you could 3D print a brain or a working neurosystem? It’s not outside the realm of the possible – at least in a structural sense – as a new graphene-nanoflake ink has just been used to print strong
What if you could 3D print a brain or a working neurosystem? It’s not outside the realm of the possible – at least in a structural sense – as a new graphene-nanoflake ink has just been used to print strong 3D structures which resemble neurons in shape and electrical conductivity.
A team of Northwestern University researchers at the Shah TEAM has developed a 3D printed, graphene scaffold which not only supported stem cells, but allowed them to divide and form patterns much like neurons.
Perhaps most importantly, the cells managed to promulgate effectively without the use of additional growth factors or reagents, and the researchers say that means the process will be less expensive.
The group at Northwestern is led by Dr. Ramille Shah, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering and of surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine. Also led by postdoctoral fellow Adam Jakus, the project resulted in a method in which he and Shah used graphene “nanoflakes” to build scaffolding and a biocompatible elastomer that provides the structures with critical strength.
“It’s a liquid ink,” Shah explained. “After the ink is extruded, one of the solvents in the system evaporates right away, causing the structure to solidify nearly instantly,” Shah says. “The presence of the other solvents and the interaction with the specific polymer binder chosen also has a significant contribution to its resulting flexibility and properties. Because it holds its shape, we are able to build larger, well-defined objects.”
According the Shah, it may well be the electrical conductivity of the graphene material that contributes to the biological su