Spatial engineering of posterior organizers in cerebral organoids via controlled morphogen exposure within hydrogels
Cerebral cortex organoids are powerful in vitro models that recapitulate key features of human development. However, conventional methods produce cortical organoids with spontaneous, spatially disorganized cortical regions due to limited control over morphogen distribution within local environments. Here, we present a spatially engineered hydrogel platform that drives localized posterior organizer formation in cortical organoids through controlled, localized exposure to morphogens. Using a combination of bulk photopolymerization, thermal crosslinking, and digital light processing (DLP) approaches, we fabricated hydrogels with stiffness-controlled layers that preferentially deliver morphogens to one side of the organoid, selectively inducing posterior organizer formation on the exposed face. We further validated this platform by delivering fluorescently tagged dextran, used as molecular weight-matched model morphogens, to visualize spatiotemporal delivery dynamics at the organoid interface. As a proof of principle, we also demonstrated that DLP fabrication enables the printing of dual morphogen hubs, serving as a model for establishing two opposing gradients within a single organoid. Together, this hydrogel platform enables systematic spatial patterning of cell populations in organoids, more faithfully recapitulating the spatial organization and cellular diversity of native tissues and advancing higher-fidelity models for studying human development and disease.