In Vitro Models for Biomechanical Studies of Neural Tissues

Abstract

In vitro models are invaluable tools for studying cell behavior in a highly controlled setting. Cell and tissue culture models of the nervous system can be utilized to elucidate neurobiological phenomena that are difficult to observe, manipulate, or measure in vivo. In the context of biomechanics, culture models that accurately mimic specific brain features can be used to determine tissue properties and tolerances to mechanical loading. There are several criteria that culture models must meet in order to complement in vivo and macroscopic biomechanical studies. In addition to providing an environment that is conducive to cell survival, cell type and source are critical to the interpretation of results. In this review, we present design criteria for ideal cultures, the current state of the art in neural cell and tissue culturing methods, and the advantages and limitations to using culture mimics. We will further present what insights in vitro models can provide to complement in vivo and macroscopic biomechanics in terms of meso- to microscale material properties and tissue-level tolerance criteria. The discussion will focus primarily on central nervous system (CNS) tissue, which is inherently complex in cytoarchitecture and organization. In addition, the CNS is not typically exposed to mechanical loading beyond physiological motion; therefore, it is expected that cell death and functional failure may be particularly prominent at large deformations and high loading rates. These and other factors must be considered when attempting to extract and culture CNS tissue or its components for studying neurobiological or neuromechanical phenomena.