Bioengineering of 3D Neural Networks

Prof. Orit Shefi from the Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering, together with other researchers from Bar Ilan University, succeeded in creating three-dimensional (3D) neural networks using magnets. The researchers developed magnetic nanoparticles which, after uptake into nerve cells, allowed the researchers to control the movement of the cells through magnetic field manipulation. The team fabricated 3D multi-layered collagen scaffolds simulating tissue structures. By using a modular magnetic device that they developed, they were able to obtain 3D neural networks that survived in culture for up to three weeks. This strategy paves the way for creating customized 3D tissues for bioengineering applications as well as efficient models for the study of cellular and tissue behavior. One of the partners in this work is Prof. Shlomo Margel from the Chemistry Department at Bar Ilan University and a member of the Dangoor Center for Personalized Medicine work as well.

Read more >>