Molly Stevens - Guiding Brain Organoids: Advanced Scaffolds for Neural Growth

The human brain and its function are one of the big mysteries of humankind. Many strategies are helping to gain a fundamental understanding of the development and function of the central nervous system: imaging of the human brain, post-mortem analysis, animal models, and – since only a few years – advanced three-dimensional neural structures which reassemble aspects of the human brain, called brain organoids. Brain organoids have been used to model brain development, diseases and neural circuit formation and function. However, to date the lack of directional control over neurogenesis, as well as the limited capability to support larger tissue structures with sufficient nutrition, limit the potential of these human stem cell derived tissues. In this project we aim to develop a scaffold to support directional neurogenesis and perfusion of large brain organoids. The student will learn a range of methodologies, which will include (but are not limited to) stem cell culture, neural differentiation, 3D printing, confocal microscopy and live imaging. Furthermore, the student will be involved in the fabrication and functionalisation of biomaterials.