Dynamic interactions in neurodegeneration and pain: A 3D in vitro model approach

As global populations age, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is increasing, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems. Compounding this issue, chronic pain—a condition intricately linked with neural health—remains poorly understood and difficult to treat. Our project aims to address neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain by developing sophisticated 3D in vitro models using materials like PDMS, and constructing a dual-chamber device that includes a 3D model of muscle to simulate exercise through mechanical stimulation and explore its effects on neural tissue health. It also involves creating models of aged and healthy neurons tissue to study pain mechanisms, focusing on signal transmission and metabolic responses, emphasizing the complexity of pain interactions among various cell types. This makes advanced 3D models essential for accurate simulations and studies, potentially leading to new treatments and insights into how physical activity affects brain health in the elderly.