Page 423 - IJB-10-4

International Journal of Bioprinting Pregabalin impact on 3D neuronal models

Figure 6. Neuronal viability and activity assessment in 2D- and 3D-cultured primary mouse cortical neurons (ECNs) on day 14 of cell culture. (A)
Impedance measurements indicate neuronal viability. Neural activity recordings of (B) number of spikes, (C) burst activity, (D) firing rate and burst
frequency, and (E) burst duration and interburst intervals in neural cultures. Data were derived from activity recordings of three neuronal cell populations.
Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) and were analyzed using a t-test. * p < 0.05. Abbreviation: PDL, poly-D-lysine.

in mouse embryos. We employed 3D culturing and 3D environment of natural tissues. The rheological properties
bioprinting technologies using tetrameric peptide-based of IIZK hydrogels—particularly their viscoelasticity and
scaffolds and bioinks to assess the influence of pregabalin gelation kinetics—are tailored to support the delicate
exposure on the development of the forebrain represented process of neuronal growth and branching as shown in a
29
by primary mouse ECNs. IIZK peptide hydrogel is known previous study. The gel’s firmness is sufficient to maintain
for its excellent biocompatibility, which is fundamental structural integrity during and after bioprinting, yet it is
for any material used to study cellular interactions and in elastic enough to allow neuronal outgrowth and migration.
tissue engineering. IIZK peptides are designed to mimic Previous studies discussed how the shear-thinning behavior
natural ECM components, promoting cell adhesion and of the hydrogel facilitates its extrusion through bioprinting
proliferation without inducing cytotoxic effects. This nozzles, yet quickly recovers its gel-like properties post-
mimicry is achieved through the peptide’s ability to form deposition, which is crucial for maintaining cell position
a nanofibrous structure, which provides a supportive and viability in 3D cultures. 29,30 The utility of IIZK hydrogels
scaffold that closely resembles the physical and biochemical extends beyond basic cell culture to applications in drug

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 415 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3010