The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Directorate awarded a $564,510 Project Grant to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) to develop an engineered neural organoid system with improved brain regionalization and integrated mesh electrodes for enhanced monitoring and stimulation capabilities. The key objectives of this 3-year grant project are to: 1) Assemble regionalized neural organoids that enable thalamus-subpallium-cortex projections by stacking sliced organoids, 2) Innervate the sliced organoids with tissue-like, ultra-flexible mesh electrodes to create an "Engineered Assembly of Sliced Organoids" (EASOS) system capable of chronic developmental monitoring, and 3) Integrate electrical stimulators into the mesh system to promote functional maturation of the EASOS for accelerated developmental studies. The project aims to advance neural organoid modeling of human brain development and enable improved neuroscience research through this innovative engineered organoid platform. Educational and outreach activities, including student research projects and internships, are also supported under this NSF Engineering program grant.
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