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Tissue engineered auricles face challenges such as subpar graft mechanical robustness, insufficient stem/progenitor cells, and unidentified factors that specifically promote elastic cartilage. To tackle these, we developed resilient and bioactive 3D-printed scaffolds using two unconventional concepts, including controlled buckling compliant lattices for mechanical resilience and muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSCs) with defined biochemical factors for facile elastic cartilage-like regeneration. Our functionally graded design reduced stress by 63.1% relative to other graded designs, which was validated by finite element analysis and high-magnitude compressive testing. Notably, 91.7% of scaffolds remained undamaged in stark contrast to 100% failure for clinically-used MEDPOR® and 76.5% failure for other graded scaffolds. Further, we developed an elastic auricular regenerative cocktail (EARc) comprised of abundantly available MDSCs and elastic cartilage-specific biochemical factors. In vitro, mouse, and rabbit studies confirmed that EARc scaffolds facilitated mechanical resilience and elastic cartilage-like regeneration. In conclusion, EARc scaffolds demonstrate the unconventional application of buckling and muscle sourcing to enhance mechanical resilience and elastic-like cartilage-specific regeneration for auricular reconstruction.

Animal and human stem cell-derived three-dimensional models to study physio-pathological brain functioning are becoming a gold standard for in vitro electrophysiology, as they enable the recapitulation of complex network properties by accounting for spatial architectural features that better reflect in vivo conditions than simpler 2D models. Standard planar multielectrode arrays (MEAs), typically providing tens of recording electrodes, are commonly used to record activity from 2D neuronal cultures. However, when adapted for use with 3D models, planar 2D MEAs showed limited effectiveness. The main issues are limited specimen adhesion to the chip, a low number of sensing elements, inability to retrieve signals from within the tissue, and reduced perfusion and vitality of the tissue in contact with sensors. To overcome these limitations, a new generation of microchip-based 3D high-density MEAs (3D HD-MEA) has been developed and validated in recent years. This technological advancement has improved the sensing capabilities and the vitality of 3D models, providing a tool tailored to maximize their potential. Here, we present an optimized protocol for neural network activity recordings in 3D models (including acute slices, brain spheroids, and organoids) from various brain regions using 3D HD-MEAs. First, we summarize the critical steps for 1) obtaining viable acute slices from the mouse cerebellum, cortico-hippocampal circuit, and prefrontal cortex, 2) establishing efficient coupling of the slices with the chip, and 3) performing recordings and analyses. We then describe the main procedures required to obtain human and animal brain spheroids and neural organoids, as well as standardized routines to perform effective recordings and analyses. For each section, we highlight the crucial steps, identify tips for specific applications, and propose troubleshooting procedures. For example, the same type of preparation (e.g., acute slices) requires different adjustments when working with different brain areas. The specific information provided here is intended to assist researchers in their daily efforts to obtain efficient and reproducible functional recordings from 3D models by using the cutting-edge technique of 3D HD-MEA. Key features • Comprehensive all-in-one guide covering the complete workflow for acquiring electrophysiological data from brain slices, neural region-specific organoids, and brain spheroids. • Intuitive, step-by-step protocol for brain slice preparation, enriched with practical tips and expert recommendations to ensure high-quality tissue viability. • Detailed instructions for optimal use of 3D HD-MEA technology, including proper handling of the sample holder for recordings from brain slices, neural organoids, and spheroids. • In-depth guidance on BrainWave6 software, providing clear procedures for data acquisition, signal detection, and advanced electrophysiological analysis across all sample types.

Pancreatic islet transplantation offers great promise for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, yet the functional decline of islets after isolation remains a major obstacle. Increasing evidence highlights the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a critical regulator of islet cell survival under stress. We explored how ex vivo culture conditions affect encapsulated islet resilience under ER-stress. Two conditions were assessed: (i) incorporation of decellularized porcine pancreatic extracellular matrix (ECM) into alginate microcapsules, and (ii) free-fall dynamic pre-conditioning culture. Human islets were encapsulated in alginate with or without ECM, cultured under static or dynamic conditions, and exposed to acute ER-stress followed or not by a recovery period. Dynamic culture preserved viability and enhanced glucose responsiveness. ECM-containing capsules showed reduced inflammatory marker expression, while encapsulation in alginate-only capsules led to more pronounced changes associated with ECM remodeling. Under ER-stress, the dynamic culture, especially combined with ECM, maintained cell function and reduced cell death. Gene profiles indicated improved stress adaptation and ECM remodeling. These results highlight ECM enrichment and dynamic culture as good strategies to maintain islet survival and functionality. Graphical AbstractEncapsulated human pancreatic islets were cultured in a free-fall dynamic system that simulates a low-shear environment, enhancing nutrient and oxygen exchange. Upon exposure to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, dynamic culture promoted a protective and adaptive cellular response, either in alginate-only or in extracellular matrix (ECM)-containing microcapsules. Dynamic culture enhanced insulin secretion, indicating improved β-cell glucose responsiveness. It reduced the expression of inflammatory chemokines, particularly CXCL1, suggesting lower immunogenic signaling. Contributed to reduced cell death, reflecting enhanced islet viability and survival. Additionally, matrix remodeling activity was elevated, as shown by increased MMP2 and MMP9 expression, indicating an adaptive extracellular matrix turnover. Created in BioRender. Silva, I. (2025) https://BioRender.com/nf8b3yv