Researchers Create First Animal-Free Brain Organoids

“The latest U-M research, published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, offers a solution to overcome Matrigel’s weaknesses. Investigators created a novel culture method that uses an engineered extracellular matrix for human brain organoids — without the presence of animal components – and enhanced the neurogenesis of brain organoids compared to previous studies. “This advancement in the development of human brain organoids free of animal components will allow for significant strides in the understanding of neurodevelopmental biology, . . . The foundational extracellular matrices of the research team’s brain organoids were comprised of human fibronectin, a protein that serves as a native structure for stem cells to adhere, differentiate and mature. They were supported by a highly porous polymer scaffold. The organoids were cultured for months, while lab staff was unable to enter the building due to the Covid 19-pandemic.”    MORE

Image Credit:  Neuroscience News