Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been a persistent issue for military personnel, with the Department of Defense reporting nearly 516,000 cases globally from 2000 to 2024. In a groundbreaking effort to address this challenge, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are developing an innovative brain organoid platform. This initiative, known as the Platform to Optimally Study Injury and TRauma On Neural Integrity and Circuitry (POSITRONIC), was recently detailed in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
The research focuses on understanding the cumulative effects of low-level blast exposures, which are not well comprehended due to the difficulty in measuring subtle impacts on the human body. “The cumulative effect of low-level blast exposures is not well understood because of the lack of ability to measure subtle effects on the human body, which may first manifest immediately after exposure but ultimately can evolve over long periods of time,” explained Katy Carneal, assistant program manager for Biological and Chemical Sciences at APL.
Understanding Low-Level Blast Injuries
Low-level blasts produce pressure waves that penetrate the skull and interact with brain tissue, potentially leading to mild blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (mbTBI). Military and law enforcement personnel often encounter these blasts during training, sometimes experiencing over 100 exposures throughout their careers. Eyal Bar-Kochba, chief scientist in APL’s Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD) and principal investigator for POSITRONIC, stated, “Our goal is to develop a prototype platform to better understand the effects of mbTBI caused by repeated low-level blasts by leveraging advances in brain organoids and noninvasive optical imaging.”
This research aims to pave the way for advancements in preventative measures, improved diagnosis, and treatment options for TBIs. The development of this platform represents a significant step forward in TBI research, offering a more human-relevant model for study.
Next-Generation Platforms: The Role of Brain Organoids
Traditionally, researchers have relied on in vivo models, which involve live animals, and in vitro models, involving simpler cell cultures, to study TBIs. However, these models have limitations in translating findings to human conditions. Brain organoids, derived from human cells, offer a promising alternative. These in vitro models can replicate complex neural networks and cellular interactions, providing a more accurate representation of the human brain.
Neurotoxicologists Thomas Hartung and Lena Smirnova from the Bloomberg School have been instrumental in developing these organoid platforms for trauma research. “This underscores the versatility of organoids as an alternative to animal testing, providing a model for investigating yet another complex disease,” noted Smirnova, an assistant professor at the Bloomberg School.
Simulating Real-World Conditions
Once the brain organoid is developed, it is integrated with a pressure-generation system that allows researchers to simulate repeated low-level blast exposures. These simulations mimic the pressures experienced by service members during training exercises, offering valuable insights into the effects of such exposures.
More information: Eyal Bar-Kochba et al, Advancing next-generation brain organoid platforms for investigating traumatic brain injury from repeated blast exposures, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1553609
Implications for the Future
The development of the POSITRONIC platform could have far-reaching implications for military and civilian populations alike. By providing a more accurate model for studying TBIs, researchers hope to develop better preventative measures and treatment protocols. This could lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for those affected by TBIs.
As the research progresses, the team at Johns Hopkins is optimistic about the potential applications of their findings. The use of brain organoids in TBI research represents a promising avenue for future studies, potentially transforming how these injuries are understood and treated.
Looking ahead, the continued development and refinement of the POSITRONIC platform will be crucial in advancing our understanding of TBIs and improving outcomes for those who suffer from these injuries. The collaboration between APL and the Bloomberg School highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex health challenges.
