3D brain tissue model mimicking gray and white matter

Date

2026-1-15

Author

Erdoğan, Ekin

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Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro brain tissue models allow for controlled investigation of neurite guidance in a defined microenvironment. In this study, a 3D brain tissue model was fabricated with ring-core architecture to mimic the gray and white matter in the brain. The ring was fabricated using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel, which represents gray matter, and the core was constructed using hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) hydrogel, which mimics white matter. Neuron-like rat PC12 cells were encapsulated in the GelMA ring, and Netrin-1 guidance molecule was incorporated into the HAMA core to direct the neurite outgrowth toward the core. The model was physically characterized using SEM for pore morphology, in situ swelling and degradation, and compressive mechanical tests. The compressive modulus of the selected formulations was 11.0±4.2 kPa for GelMA (10G, 10s) and 3.9±1.3 kPa for the HAMA core. Live/Dead staining was used to assess PC12 viability, and cytoskeleton and nuclei staining were employed to visualize neurite orientation. Cells showed high viability in GelMA with the viability of 85±6%. Quantitative neurite analysis showed robust orientation toward the core in model with Netrin-1 (0.98), compared with control without Netrin-1 (0.52). Overall, this 3D brain tissue model developed in this study represented a simplistic platform in addition to its adjustable physical properties, enabling studies of neurite extension and orientation in gray and white matter under defined biochemical guidance cues.

Subject Keywords

3D brain tissue model, GelMA, HAMA, PC12, Netrin-1

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/118479

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis