Engineering lab-on-a-chip nervous system organoids for neuroprosthetic applications

神经系统有机体是由干细胞组成的三维结构，模拟了神经系统的发育过程和结构，有可能给神经假体研究带来革命性的变化。神经假体是一种旨在取代或增强神经系统功能的设备，其有效性取决于准确检测和解释神经元活动的能力。通过使用NS器官来模拟不同的中枢或外周NS区域或研究它们的发育，我们可以更好地了解神经-机器接口的神经基础，并改进神经假体的设计和性能。此外，NS有机化合物可用于研究神经假体对神经组织结构和功能的长期影响，并确定潜在的副作用或并发症。将有机模型与微流体和模拟人类生理的生物材料等工程方法相结合，可能有助于开发更有效和更生物兼容的神经假体，以恢复神经疾病或损伤患者的感觉或运动功能。该项目的目标是创造一系列神经系统有机化合物，用于帮助开发生物兼容的神经假体。这一多学科项目的目标包括：-生物材料(Obj1)：创造一系列模拟神经系统不同区域细胞外基质的水凝胶。-细胞培养(Obj2)：选择、培养和扩增神经元和非神经元细胞，然后使用微流体将其包裹在水凝胶中。-微流控技术(Obj3)：开发液滴微流控装置，用于高通量有机化合物制造。-类有机物分析(Obj4)：表征类有机物随时间的生理、生物力学和发育特性。-电极(Obj5)：开发芯片上实验室设备，用于模拟和记录神经元(在中枢神经系统有机体中)和神经(在外周神经系统有机体中)的活动。这个项目结合了我的研究目标，重点是开发神经系统的机械指纹，以及潜在的博士生对开发用于神经假体应用的外围感觉神经电极的兴趣。

Nervous system (NS) organoids, which are three-dimensional structures made from stem cells that mimic the developmental processes and architecture of the NS, have the potential to revolutionise neuroprosthetics research. Neuroprosthetics are devices that are designed to replace or augment the function of the nervous system, and their effectiveness depends on the ability to accurately detect and interpret neuronal activity. By using NS organoids to model different central or peripheral NS regions or study their development, we can gain a better understanding of the neural basis of neuro-machine interfaces and improve the design and performance of neuroprosthetics. Additionally, NS organoids can be used to study the long-term effects of neuroprosthetics on neuronal tissue structure and function, and to identify potential side effects or complications. The combination of organoid models with engineering approaches such as microfluidics and biomaterials that mimic human physiology may facilitate the development of more effective and biologically compatible neuroprosthetics for restoring sensory or motor function in individuals with neurological disorders or injuries. The goal of this project is to create a series of nervous system organoids that can be used to aid in the development of biologically compatible neuroprosthetics.The objectives of this multidisciplinary project include: - Biomaterials (Obj1): creating a series of hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrices of different nervous system regions. - Cell culture (Obj2): selecting, culturing, and expanding neuronal and non-neuronal cells to be later encapsulated within hydrogels using microfluidics. - Microfluidics (Obj3): developing droplet-based microfluidic devices for high-throughput organoid fabrication. - Organoid analysis (Obj4): characterising the physiological, biomechanical, and developmental properties of the organoids over time. - Electrodes (Obj5): developing lab-on-a-chip devices for simulating and recording the activity of neurons (in central nervous system organoids) and nerves (in peripheral nervous system organoids).This project brings together my research objectives, which focus on developing a mechanical fingerprint of the nervous system, and the interests of a potential PhD student in developing peripheral sensory neural electrodes for neuroprosthetic applications.