Three-Dimensional Human Neural Cell Culture Using Tailored Porous Polymer Scaffolds

The culture of cells in flat, stiff, two-dimensional environments often results in cells dissimilar to those found in the human body. This can be detrimental in the translation of research outcomes from dish to human, and is particularly evident in the poor success of new neurological drugs. Conversely, neural cells cultured in three-dimensions, typically with the aid of a scaffold, have shown to be more comparable to those found in the brain. This thesis investigates the creation of a three-dimensional neurological drug screening device using a novel porous polymer cell culture scaffold paired with human neural stem cells.