Dynamic monitoring neuronal fingerprints in a novel 3D engineered brain tissue model using two-photon, label-free imaging

Engineered brain tissue models with human derived cells are a promising platform for improving our understanding of brain function. Our study aims to develop a label-free, two-photon imaging focused approach that enables us to assess important morphological and functional changes that occur in such brain tissue models over time. We acquired spectral, intensity, and lifetime images of the same tissues over two months. Our results indicate that such dynamic monitoring of the cellular and matrix/scaffold components of such tissues is feasible, but complex because multiple fluorophores are present. Thus, a multi-modal, multi-wavelength approach is necessary to quantify meaningful functional changes.