Scientists maintain viability of dead brain for several weeks

Japanese scientists managed to maintain the viability of the brain tissue of mice for 25 days after the brain was removed from the skull of rodents.

According to Science Alert, the aforementioned scientists maintained brain vitality by using a microfluidic device that delivers nutrient fluids to tissues through a tiny channel. And to solve the problem of drying, the researchers used a special membrane that provides optimal moisture.

The fluid in the mouse brain circulated through a semipermeable channel consisting of a porous membrane with continuous walls of polydimethylsiloxane. A nutrient medium passed through a membrane that simultaneously supported the moisture of the brain tissue and facilitated efficient gas exchange between cells.

A fragment of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is responsible for maintaining circadian rhythms, was used as a living sample. Mice that had brain cells removed were genetically modified so that biorhythms in the brain were associated with the production of fluorescent protein. According to scientists, fluorescence occurred within 25 days.

The control sample, located in a cup with a nutrient medium was losing activity after 10 hours.

According to researchers, the maximum time of activity of brain tissue could reach 100 days.

The method developed by scientists can be used for longer and more efficient preservation of organs intended for transplantation.

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