3DNEUROGLIA (DCM.AD007.050)
Thematic area
Chemical sciences and materials technology
Project area
Chimica e materiali per la salute e le scienze della vita (DCM.AD007)Structure responsible for the research project
Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB)
Other structures collaborating in the research project
Project manager
VINCENZO GUARINO
Phone number: 0812425944
Email: vincenzo.guarino@cnr.it
Abstract
In the last years, significant knowledge in Neuroscience has been provided by the introduction of 2D in vitro cell culture systems for the standard observation, recording, manipulation and analyses of neuronal/glial cells, with improvements in terms of sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution with respect to in vivo studies. However, 2D conventional cell cultures force cells to grow as artificial monolayer and, in turn, to express different morphological and functional phenotypes from those observed in vivo. In this view, nanostructured interfaces, biomaterials and bio-nanocomposites may be optimized for the implementation of 3D in vitro models where cells resemble brain features and that are suitable to bridge the knowledge gap that exists between the 2D in vitro approaches and in vivo CNS neurobiology and physiology. In this context, 3DNEUROGLIA is a proposal for a project with two Italian teams (CNR IPCB and CNR-ISOF) with the aim to identify efficient in vitro 3D model to study neural cells functions and biophysical mechanisms underpinning brain activity in physiological context as well as upon chemo-physical stimuli.
Goals
3DNEUROGLIA will optimize different tailored micro/nanostructured material platforms to provide an efficient in vitro 3D model where to study at multi spatial and time scale biophysical mechanisms underpinning neural cells functions and interaction, in a controlled and reliable physiological context and upon physical stimuli such as photo-stimulation. 3DNEUROGLIA model will be defined and validated to enable an approach for studying brain physiology and its modulation by bioelectronic/biophotonic stimulation at a multiscale from nano- to micro-domains of the cell (i.e., cell membrane, ion channels/water channels, protein complex on cells end-feed/synapse), up to cellular level; the dynamics occurring at the macroscale (network scale, microcircuits, tissue scale) will be identified and characterized by co-culture of neurons and glial cells.
Start date of activity
01/08/2018
Keywords
Biomaterials, Electrofluidodynamics, cell/materials interactions
Last update: 19/04/2024