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

神经系统（NS）类器官是由模仿神经系统发育过程和结构的干细胞制成的三维结构，有可能彻底改变神经假肢研究。神经义肢是用来取代或增强神经系统功能的装置，其有效性取决于准确检测和解释神经元活动的能力。利用类神经系统器官模拟中枢或外周神经系统的不同区域或研究其发育，可以更好地了解神经-机器接口的神经基础，提高神经假肢的设计和性能。此外，NS类器官可用于研究神经义肢对神经元组织结构和功能的长期影响，并识别潜在的副作用或并发症。类器官模型与模拟人体生理的工程方法（如微流体和生物材料）相结合，可能有助于开发更有效和生物相容的神经假肢，用于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类器官，这些类器官可用于帮助开发生物相容的神经假肢。这个多学科项目的目标包括：-生物材料（Obj1）：创造一系列水凝胶，模拟不同神经系统区域的细胞外基质。-细胞培养（Obj2）：选择、培养和扩增神经元细胞和非神经元细胞，然后使用微流体将其包裹在水凝胶中。-微流体（Obj3）：开发基于液滴的高通量类器官制造微流体装置。-类器官分析（Obj4）：描述类器官随时间变化的生理、生物力学和发育特性。-电极（Obj5）：开发用于模拟和记录神经元（中枢神经系统类器官）和神经（周围神经系统类器官）活动的芯片实验室设备。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，以及一个潜在的博士生对开发用于神经假肢应用的外周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.