Credit score: KAIST
Cultured neural tissues have been broadly used as a simplified experimental mannequin for mind analysis. Nevertheless, current units for rising and recording neural tissues, that are manufactured utilizing semiconductor processes, have limitations by way of form modification and the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) buildings.
By considering exterior the field, a KAIST analysis group has efficiently created a personalized 3D neural chip. They first used a 3D printer to manufacture a hole channel construction, then used capillary motion to routinely fill the channels with conductive ink, creating the electrodes and wiring. This achievement is predicted to considerably improve the design freedom and flexibility of mind science and mind engineering analysis platforms. The paper is printed within the journal Superior Practical Supplies.
A analysis group led by Professor Yoonkey Nam from the Division of Bio and Mind Engineering has efficiently developed a platform expertise that overcomes the constraints of conventional semiconductor-based manufacturing. This expertise permits for the exact fabrication of a 3D microelectrode array (neural interfaces with a number of microelectrodes organized in a 3D house to measure and stimulate the electrophysiological sign of neurons) in numerous personalized types for in vitro tradition chips.
Current 3D microelectrode array fabrication, primarily based on semiconductor processes, has restricted 3D design freedom and is pricey. Whereas 3D printing-based fabrication methods have just lately been proposed to beat these points, they nonetheless have limitations by way of 3D design freedom for numerous in vitro neural community buildings as a result of they observe the standard sequence of “conductive material patterning → insulator coating → electrode opening.”
The KAIST analysis group leveraged the superb 3D design freedom offered by 3D printing expertise and its skill to make use of printed supplies as insulators. By reversing the standard course of, they established an revolutionary technique that enables for extra versatile design and purposeful measurement of 3D neuronal community fashions for in vitro tradition.
First, they used a 3D printer to print a hole 3D insulator with micro-tunnels. This construction was designed to function a secure scaffold for conductive supplies in 3D house whereas additionally supporting the creation of assorted 3D neuronal networks. They then demonstrated that by utilizing capillary motion to fill these inside micro-tunnels with conductive ink, they might create a 3D scaffold-microelectrode array with extra freely organized microelectrodes inside a fancy 3D tradition help construction.
The brand new platform can be utilized to create numerous chip shapes, resembling probe-type, cube-type, and modular-type, and helps the fabrication of electrodes utilizing completely different supplies like graphite, conductive polymers, and silver nanoparticles. This permits for the simultaneous measurement of multichannel neural alerts from each inside and outdoors the 3D neuronal community, enabling exact evaluation of the dynamic interactions and connectivity between neurons.
Professor Nam acknowledged, “This research, which combines 3D printing and capillary action, is an achievement that significantly expands the freedom of neural chip fabrication.” He added that it’ll contribute to the development of basic mind science analysis utilizing neural tissue, in addition to utilized fields like cell-based biosensors and biocomputing.
Dr. Dongjo Yoon from KAIST’s Division of Bio and Mind Engineering participated as the primary creator of the examine.
Extra info:
Dongjo Yoon et al, Extremely Customizable Scaffold‐Sort 3D Microelectrode Array Platform for Design and Evaluation of the 3D Neuronal Community In Vitro, Superior Practical Supplies (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202510446
Supplied by
The Korea Superior Institute of Science and Expertise (KAIST)
Quotation:
Considering exterior the field to manufacture personalized 3D neural chips (2025, September 26)
retrieved 26 September 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/information/2025-09-fabricate-customized-3d-neural-chips.html
This doc is topic to copyright. Other than any honest dealing for the aim of personal examine or analysis, no
half could also be reproduced with out the written permission. The content material is offered for info functions solely.
