Adult neural stem cells are thought of as having a lot of potential for therapeutic applications, but they are fragile and difficult to keep alive in cell culture media (Petri dishes), making them a challenge to study. In order to provide a more hospitable environment, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working on printing 3-D tissues that will stay alive and supply the neural stem cells with nutrients and oxygen.

The researchers created a 3-D tissue printer that lays down cells, hydrogels, and other components layer by layer. They also mimicked vascular channels that distribute oxygen and nutrients through the tissues.

More from Rensselaer: 3-D Printed Tissues Advance Stem Cell Research…