Categories: News

Aspect Biosystems collaborates with NRC to 3D print therapeutic models of the brain

As diseases of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, continue to impact the lives of Canadians, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Aspect Biosystems are working to develop new therapeutic models that could lead to improved treatments in the future and better outcomes for patients suffering from brain disease.

As one might expect, the brain is a highly protected organ. The function of the blood-brain barrier is to keep harmful substances that may circulate in the blood, such as toxins or pathogens, from damaging the brain. Unfortunately, this barrier also prevents the majority of therapeutics from reaching their target, which means there are few effective treatments for brain diseases. Moving medication through the blood-brain barrier is one of the largest unmet needs in the pharmaceutical industry and remains a key challenge in discovering and developing treatments for neurological diseases and disorders.

The NRC has already developed a ground-breaking human 2D model of the blood-brain barrier that allows researchers to better predict which therapeutics could potentially cross to the brain. The core of the 2D model involves using specialized stem cells that are capable of generating any of the cell types in the human body, including brain cells.

Now, by collaborating with Aspect Biosystems and taking advantage of their unique microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology, the NRC is working to create a 3D model that will make it possible to better understand the blood-brain barrier and develop treatments that will more reliably reach the human brain.

This collaboration presents an exciting new opportunity to contribute to pioneering research towards creating a drug testing platform that will be critical to developing treatments for neurological diseases.

AM Chronicle Editor

Recent Posts

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Sheet Lamination 3D Printing for Engineering Applications

Introduction Sheet lamination 3D printing represents a distinctive approach within the realm of additive manufacturing,…

3 hours ago

Exploring the Capabilities of Blender in 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Guide

As the world increasingly embraces digital technologies, engineers are harnessing new tools to enhance their…

4 hours ago

Exploring ZBrush for 3D Printing: Enhancing 3D-Printed Sculpture Design through Advanced CAD Techniques

Introduction This article by AM Chronicle delves into the capabilities of a leading digital sculpting…

4 hours ago

An In-Depth Analysis of Resins in 3D Printing: Applications, Properties, and Performance

Introduction In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology across various industries,…

4 hours ago

Exploring the Best Budget-Friendly 3D Scanners in 2025: A Comprehensive Review for Engineers

Introduction The advent of 3D scanning technology has significantly transformed various industries, particularly engineering. As…

4 hours ago

Exploring the Top 3D Scanner Apps for Android and iOS: A Comprehensive Review for Engineers

Introduction In today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, 3D scanning has emerged as a powerful tool…

4 hours ago