3D-Printed Brain Phantom Pioneers Advanced Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases

3D-Printed Brain Phantom Pioneers Advanced Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 22, 2024

In an innovative collaboration, researchers from the Medical University of Vienna and TU Wien have achieved a significant development by developing the world's first 3D-printed brain phantom. This model, designed to mimic the complex structure of brain fibres, represents a major step forward in the field of medical imaging, particularly for the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. The study detailing this development has been published in "Advanced Materials Technologies."

The brain phantom, unlike any existing models, allows for precise imaging using a specialized version of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) known as diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI). This advancement enables scientists to more accurately determine the direction of nerve fibres within the brain, a critical aspect of studying brain structure and function. The phantom was crafted using a cutting-edge 3D printing technique known as two-photon polymerisation, which is notable for its ability to create highly detailed microstructures.

A unique aspect of this research is the collaborative effort that brought together MRI experts from the Medical University of Vienna and 3D printing specialists from TU Wien. The project also included contributions from the University of Zurich and the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf. The team focused on overcoming the challenge of imaging nerve fibres at their crossing points, where traditional methods often falter due to the overlapping directions of the fibres.

The resulting brain phantom, which visually resembles a tiny cube filled with water-filled microchannels mimicking individual cranial nerves, serves as a tool for "training" dMRI analysis software. This training is essential for improving the diagnostic capabilities of dMRI by allowing for the adjustment of analysis software with greater precision. Consequently, the quality of measured data is enhanced, enabling a more accurate reconstruction of the brain's neural architecture.

Moreover, the use of 3D printing technology in this research opens up new possibilities for creating customized and complex designs for brain phantoms. These models are particularly valuable for depicting areas of the brain that produce complex signals, such as intersecting nerve pathways, thereby aiding in the calibration of analysis software for better disease diagnosis and treatment planning.

Despite these advances, the research team acknowledges challenges, particularly in scaling up the printing process due to the time-intensive nature of two-photon polymerisation. Nonetheless, the potential applications of this technology in improving the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are significant, marking a promising direction for future medical research.

Research Report:Toward Printing the Brain: A Microstructural Ground Truth Phantom for MRI