Israeli scientists from Tel Aviv University have made an advancement in biological research by using the principles of Origami to position sensors inside 3D-bioprinted tissues to develop an original and innovative solution for a problem that has been troubling researchers worldwide. The innovative platform, which combines science with art, is called MSOP – Multi-Sensor Origami Platform.
Instead of bio printing tissue over the sensors (found to be impracticable) they designed and produce an origami-inspired structure that folds around the fabricated tissue, allowing the insertion of sensors into precisely pre-defined locations.
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Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. The word comes from the Japanese words “oru” (折る), which means “to fold”, and “kami” (紙), which means “paper”. Origami has been practiced for centuries in Japan, and it has become a popular pastime around the world.
Traditionally, origami is made from a single square sheet of paper, and no cuts or glue are allowed. Origami folds can be simple or complex, and there are models for all skill levels. Origami is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
There are many benefits to practicing origami. Origami can help to improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning skills. It can also be a relaxing and meditative activity. Origami is a great way to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.
“The use of 3D-bioprinters to print biological tissue models for research is already widespread. In existing technologies, the printer head moves back and forth, printing layer upon layer of the required tissue,” Prof. Maoz explained. “This method, however, has a significant drawback: The tissue cannot be bioprinted over a set of sensors needed to provide information about its inner cells, because in the process of printing the printer head breaks the sensors. We propose a new approach to the complex problem: origami.”
This innovation is a unique blend of science and art. Researchers use computer design software (like CAD) to create custom, origami-inspired structures for different tissue models. These structures have built-in sensors at specific points to track the electrical activity or resistance of cells within the tissue. The computer model then guides the creation of a physical structure that folds around the bioprinted tissue, placing each sensor precisely where it needs to be. This new platform, called MSOP (Multi-Sensor Origami Platform) by the TAU team, allows for close monitoring of cells within tissues.
The new method’s effectiveness was demonstrated on 3D-bioprinted brain tissues, with the inserted sensors recording neuronal electrical activity. The researchers emphasize, however, that the system is both modular and versatile: it can place any number and any type of sensors in any chosen position within any type of 3D-bioprinted tissue model, as well as in tissues grown artificially in the lab such as brain organoids – small spheres of neurons simulating the human brain.
