Simulating Olfactory System in vitro based on a Transwell Co-culture Model

The sense of smell is quite important for vital functions such as warning and protection from environmental hazards, and social communication. However, there still need to study the encoding mechanism and perception mechanism of olfactory information in the olfactory system. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an effective olfactory model. Most studies have focused on changes in one part of the olfactory system, but the connections between parts of the olfactory system also need to be studied, especially the neural connections and coding mechanisms between the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. For co-culture techniques can nearly mimic the in vivo environment, which has made it possible to study interactions between neurons and to reproduce complex neural circuits in vitro. Here, a co-culture olfactory system model was established based on Transwell microporous membrane. Neural connections were established by culturing OE organoids and OB neuronal network on both sides of the membrane to simulate the olfactory system. This model provides a promising tool for exploring the molecular mechanism of olfactory perception and information encoding.