The Van Vliet Group has released an exciting new paper on artificial axons: 3D-printed hydrogel-based axon mimics that closely replicate the physical properties of neuronal axons. This innovative platform can pave the way for enhanced understanding of myelination and capabilities for in vitro drug screening studies for neurodegenerative disease.

The paper outlines how Mingyu Yang, Calliope J.L. Martin, Kavin Kowsari, Anna Jagielska, and Krystyn J. Van Vliet demonstrated that increasing the stiffness of artificial axon polymers affected the extent of myelin ensheathment and response of rat oligodendrocytes to pro-myelinating compounds, highlighting the great importance of considering biophysical cues when conducting drug screening studies.

Dive into the full paper to explore how artificial axons can create opportunities for greater understanding of brain health and neurodegenerative disease treatment.