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3D printing holds the key to Zika virus?

The Zika virus hit the news in a big way this last year. This cruel epidemic has devastated families throughout South America and there is a real chance it could spread, but 3D printing and Johns Hopkins University might have the answer.

The virus is a spread by mosquitoes and in most cases the worst sufferers will experience is a rash and a fever. For pregnant women, though, the consequences can be disastrous as it can affect their unborn child and result in an abnormally small head and an underdeveloped brain.

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A global epidemic in the making?

The World Health Organization declared it a global health emergency and warned that the virus could easily spread to Europe and the US when the warmer weather sweeps in and the mosquitoes come out in force. One thing is sure, it is on the rise.

Essentially it is a race against time to find a vaccine or treatment as eventually the virus will spread beyond South America.

3D printed ‘brains’ are quick and easy

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found a way to produce tiny brains, literally the size of a pinhead, with a bioprinter. They can then infect these organoids with the Zika virus. It’s a quick way to analyse how Zika actually works, so the researchers can set to work on a defence mechanism.

Researchers refuse to give up

The same research team tried to study Zika in two dimensions in the past, using tissue cultures. The group, led by Professor Guo-Li Ming and Hongjun Song, was able to ascertain that Zika attacks neural stem cells, but they were severely limited by the testing method and simply couldn’t learn enough to work on a cure or a vaccine.

The latest study, which was published in Cell, a journal of cellular biology and biomedical science, used miniature spinning bioreactors. These produced several ‘mini brains’, from stem cells, that were functional enough for the purposes of the test.

The team produced and worked with three different types of tissue, essentially representing the forebrain, midbrain and hypothalamus. This tissue could survive in lab conditions for 100 days, which is an impressive feat in itself and gave the researchers time to study the ongoing effects of the Zika virus.
bioreactor unit

Zika attacks stem cells and the cortex

Essentially, the Johns Hopkins University team confirmed its two-dimensional results and now know for sure that Zika attacks the neural stem cells and stunts the growth of the cortex. This is the outer layer of the brain, which is responsible for memory and the individual’s attention span.

Another result of the tests was that a child who encounters the Zika virus in the first trimester is most likely to be severely affected. So if a mother is bitten by a mosquito in the second or third trimester, there is a chance they will escape unscathed.

Interestingly, while it’s considered common knowledge that mosquitoes are responsible for the illness, the research team is determined to remain methodical.

Studies of fetuses and babies with the tell-tale small brains and heads of microcephaly in Zika-affected areas have found abnormalities in the cortex, and Zika virus has been found in the fetal tissue,” said Dr. Ming. “While this study doesn’t definitely prove that Zika virus causes microcephaly, it’s very telling that the cells that form the cortex are potentially susceptible to the virus, and their growth could be disrupted by the virus.

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Now we understand Zika, we have to beat it

Of course understanding the Zika virus is just the first step. The next phase is actually stopping the destruction it causes. The team will continue with their 3d printed brains, testing a number of compounds and known antiviral agents to formulate a cure or a vaccine that can prevent this hideous virus taking hold on the world.

The team will also publish their method for creating the 3D-printed bioreactors, which will allow other scientists to use their methods.

Whatever happens with the Zika virus, the researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a major breakthrough and these miniature brains could be responsible for curing some of the most debilitating conditions known to man.

One way or another, they have already done great work.