A New 3D Cellular Model for Testing the Neurotoxicity of Energy Drinks
A new three-dimensional laboratory model has been developed based on human early neural progenitor cells derived from the NT2/D1 cell line, immobilized in alginate microfibers, with the aim of studying the effects of energy drinks and their ingredients on the brain. This system supports the early stages of neuronal development and more faithfully mimics real brain tissue compared to standard 2D cell cultures. Interestingly, caffeine and the combination of energy drinks with alcohol stimulated cell proliferation in the 3D model, whereas in conventional 2D cultures most treatments led to reduced growth. This innovative platform based on human cells could serve as a fast and cost-effective tool for assessing both short- and long-term neurotoxic effects of widely consumed substances.
The study was carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade.