Bioengineers Unveil First Fully Synthetic Human Brain Model

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have developed the first fully synthetic human brain model, marking a significant advancement in the field of neural tissue engineering. This breakthrough, known as the Bijel-Integrated PORous Engineered System (BIPORES), eliminates the need for animal-derived materials, paving the way for more ethical and effective research methods.

Neural tissue engineering aims to replicate the brain’s intricate environment, particularly the extracellular matrix that supports nerve cell growth and connectivity. Traditional methods have struggled to reproduce the brain’s subtle design features, often failing to capture the fine details that influence cell behavior. The BIPORES system addresses these challenges by combining large-scale fibrous structures with complex pore patterns, inspired by bijels—soft materials with unique internal surfaces.

The new material primarily consists of polyethylene glycol (PEG), a chemically neutral polymer that normally repels cells. To enhance its functionality, researchers utilized a technique called STrIPS, which allows for the continuous production of tiny particles and fibrous structures. Previously, these materials were limited to a thickness of approximately 200 micrometers, constrained by molecular movement during formation. The BIPORES system overcomes this limitation, facilitating the creation of thicker and more complex structures.

The innovative design incorporates a gel-like PEG solution, which transforms into a porous network stabilized by silica nanoparticles. Using a custom microfluidic setup and bioprinter, the team constructed 3D structures featuring interconnected pores. These pores enable nutrients and waste to circulate freely, fostering optimal conditions for cell growth. When tested with neural stem cells, the BIPORES material promoted strong cell attachment, growth, and the formation of active nerve connections.

According to Prince David Okoro, the study’s lead author, “Since the engineered scaffold is stable, it permits longer-term studies. That’s especially important as mature brain cells are more reflective of real tissue function when investigating relevant diseases or traumas.”

The scaffold, currently measuring just two millimeters across, is expected to be scaled up for broader applications. The research team has submitted a new paper exploring the potential of this approach for liver tissue, aiming to create a network of lab-grown mini-organs that communicate like real systems in the human body.

Iman Noshadi, an associate professor of bioengineering at UCR, emphasized the broader implications of this work: “An interconnected system would let us see how different tissues respond to the same treatment and how a problem in one organ may influence another. It is a step toward understanding human biology and disease in a more integrated way.”

From a biomimicry perspective, the layered fabrication approach utilized in BIPORES closely mimics the behavior of actual brain tissue. This advancement offers a powerful tool for studying neurological diseases, testing new drugs, and developing future treatments for repairing or replacing damaged neural tissue.

The study detailing these findings was published in Advanced Functional Materials in March 2024. This innovative research holds promise not only for scientific inquiry but also for aligning with ongoing initiatives, such as the US FDA’s efforts to phase out animal testing in drug development. As bioengineering continues to evolve, the potential applications of synthetic brain models are vast, potentially revolutionizing how researchers approach neurological disorders and therapies.