Fabrication of an Expandable Brain Matrix Customizable Across Developmental Stages

Rudy Chapman; Xuhui Liu; Mehrana Mohtasebi; Siavash Mazdeyasna; Kathryn E. Saatman; Guoqiang Yu; Lei Chen

doi:10.3791/68638

Fabrication of an Expandable Brain Matrix Customizable Across Developmental Stages

JoVE Journal
Neuroscience
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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Fabrication of an Expandable Brain Matrix Customizable Across Developmental Stages

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11:35 min

February 20, 2026

DOI: 10.3791/68638-v

Rudy Chapman¹, Xuhui Liu², Mehrana Mohtasebi², Siavash Mazdeyasna², Kathryn E. Saatman¹, Guoqiang Yu², Lei Chen^1,2,3

¹Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,University of Kentucky, ²Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering,University of Kentucky, ³Department of Neurosurgery,University of Kentucky

Overview

This article describes an innovative method for constructing expandable brain matrices for slicing neonatal piglet brains. The budget-friendly approach utilizes acrylic plates and agarose gel brain molding, applicable across multiple species and accommodating brain growth.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Neuroanatomy

Background

Understanding brain development is crucial for neuroscience research.
Traditional methods for brain slicing can be costly and limited in flexibility.
Innovative techniques can enhance research capabilities.
Expandable matrices can accommodate growth in neonatal subjects.

Purpose of Study

To present a cost-effective method for brain slicing.
To facilitate research on brain development in various species.
To improve accessibility of brain slicing techniques for researchers.

Methods Used

Construction of acrylic plates using templates.
Utilization of agarose gel for brain molding.
Application of the method to neonatal piglets.
Adaptation for coronal and sagittal slicing.

Main Results

The method successfully allows for expandable brain matrices.
Coronal and sagittal slices can be achieved effectively.
The approach is budget-friendly and versatile.
Applicable to multiple species beyond neonatal piglets.

Conclusions

This method enhances the ability to study brain development.
It provides a flexible solution for researchers in neuroscience.
The approach can be adapted for various experimental needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What species can this method be applied to?

The method is applicable to multiple species, including neonatal piglets.

How does the expandable matrix work?

The matrix is designed to accommodate brain growth, allowing for effective slicing.

Is this method cost-effective?

Yes, it is a budget-friendly approach compared to traditional methods.

What types of slices can be made?

Both coronal and sagittal slices can be achieved using this method.

What materials are used in this method?

Acrylic plates and agarose gel are the primary materials used.

Can this method be used for adult brains?

The method is primarily designed for neonatal brains but may be adapted for others.

An innovative method to build expandable brain matrices to cut either coronal or sagittal slices is described for application to neonatal piglets. This budget-friendly approach utilizes acrylic plates carved using templates from agarose gel brain molding, applies to multiple species, and allows for expansion to accommodate brain growth.

Fabrication of an Expandable Brain Matrix Customizable Across Developmental Stages, by Chapman and colleagues at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. The development of the piglet brain is very similar to that of a human brain in several aspects. Compared to rats and mice, the ratio of piglet brain weight from birth to maturity is much closer to humans and the functional regions of piglet and human gyri and cephalic brains are very similar.

For these reasons, the use of pigs and other large mammals in neuroscience research is increasing. However, commercial brain matrices for larger mammals are expensive, and choices are often limited to a single size or plane of sectioning. Consequently, commercial matrices may not provide a good fit for different strains, both males and females, and different ages.

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