I was deeply impressed by the presentation of Dr. Femke de Vrij from Erasmus MC on “Human adherent cortical organoids to study neuropsychiatric disorders” during the CONNECT symposium 2025. This groundbreaking research introduces a simplified method for generating long-term human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived adherent cortical organoids with reproducible sizes and the potential for high-throughput screening in a 384-well format.

The cutting-edge world of biomedical research is being transformed by an innovative breakthrough: brain assembloids. These 3D cell culture systems emulate complex brain functions, opening new doors for understanding human neurobiology and disease. When paired with organ-on-a-chip technology, brain assembloids offer unprecedented precision and scalability for studies ranging from drug development to neurological disorder modeling.

Understanding effective diffusion in the brain is crucial for advancements in neuroscience, drug delivery, and treating neurological disorders. In this article, we explore the latest research findings on diffusion within the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM), the impact of pathological conditions, and the role of innovative models such as brain organoids and spheroids in open-top cell culture systems.

The landscape of biomedical research is evolving rapidly, and organ-on-a-chip devices are at the forefront of this revolution. These innovative tools replicate the functionality of human organs in miniature, offering researchers a new level of precision for drug testing, disease modeling, and tissue engineering. Among the technologies making this possible, industrial 3D printing has emerged as a key enabler, allowing for the fast, precise, and scalable production of these devices.

As science progresses, the development of cutting-edge tools like organs-on-a-chip has opened up new possibilities for understanding the intricacies of biological processes. One of the most promising innovations in this space is the angiogenesis-on-a-chip platform. This technology provides a controlled environment that simulates the process of angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—offering groundbreaking insights into vascular biology, cancer research, and regenerative medicine.

Shear Stress in Organ-on-a-Chip Systems

Microfluidic systems are at the heart of cutting-edge research in biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical sciences, powering innovations like organ-on-a-chip technology, drug development, and high-throughput screening. A key component of these systems is the microfluidic chip, which houses tiny chambers and channels designed to precisely control fluid movement at the microscale. The design of these chips is critical for optimizing their performance, with a central debate revolving around whether square or round surfaces are better for accommodating microfluidic units.

Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the fascinating world of biomedical research, specifically focusing on the in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models. Today, we’re exploring why having a straight and well-defined structure is crucial for these models. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply a science enthusiast, this post will shed light on the importance of structural integrity in scientific research.

In the realm of biomedical research, brain organoids have emerged as an avant-garde tool, enabling scientists to delve deeper into the intricacies of human brain development and diseases. These miniaturized, simplified versions of the brain, grown from stem cells, offer a dynamic model to study a range of neurological conditions. However, a persistent challenge in the cultivation of brain organoids is the formation of a necrotic core — a problem that is intricately linked to the absence of vascularization within these tissue structures. This blog will unpack the issue of the necrotic core and the groundbreaking efforts towards achieving in vitro vascularization to mitigate this challenge.