A recent study from the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has successfully integrated two advanced 3D tissue engineering approaches—3D polymeric scaffolds and 3D neuronal spheroids—to create a highly sophisticated model for studying neuronal behavior and disease.
Multicolor confocal microscopy image of a 3D neuronal model, interfacing a smart 3D polymer scaffold. Image Credit: https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202403875
This interdisciplinary collaboration between biomedical engineers, physicists, and neuroscientists led to the development of a smart polymeric scaffold embedded with fluorescent nanodiamonds. The result is a powerful quantum sensing tool capable of providing new insights into complex neurological conditions.
The scaffolds, fabricated using laser-based 3D microprinting, are designed to be biocompatible and exhibit low autofluorescence—making them ideal hosts for 3D neuronal spheroids. The embedded fluorescent nanodiamonds enable real-time monitoring of magnetic signals and temperature fluctuations at the nanoscale, offering a new level of precision in analyzing cellular signaling, disease mechanisms, and drug responses.
The use of low-autofluorescence 3D polymeric scaffolds enabled the integration of quantum metrology techniques with nanodiamonds. When combined with 3D neuronal cell aggregates, this approach holds great potential for in-depth studies of neurodegenerative diseases and beyond.
Beatriz Costa, Study First Author, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
A key achievement of the study was demonstrating the scaffold’s ability to support dopaminergic neurons—critical for Parkinson’s disease research—and guide their directional growth. This validates the platform’s capacity to sustain complex neuronal cultures and opens the door to more targeted investigations into neurodegeneration.
With this study, we open the pathway to have an in vitro brain organoid system equipped with quantum sensors. The readout of these sensors will allow us to investigate healthy and disease-related neuronal communication patterns. This provides a platform for studying neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, while also being adaptable to other medical fields.
Jana Nieder, Study Principal Investigator, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
Supported by the Diamond4Brain project, funded by the La Caixa Foundation and FCT, this work is a joint effort between INL and ICVS. It represents a significant step forward in building versatile, high-resolution platforms for disease modeling and therapeutic development.