AUTHOR=Hoppe Meagan , Habib Ahmed , Desai Riya , Edwards Lincoln , Kodavali Chowdari , Sherry Psy Natalie Sandel , Zinn Pascal O. TITLE=Human brain organoid code of conduct JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Medicine VOLUME=3 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fmmed.2023.1143298 DOI=10.3389/fmmed.2023.1143298 ISSN=2674-0095 ABSTRACT=

Human brain organoids are models derived from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells that mimic basic cerebral microanatomy and demonstrate simple functional neuronal networks. Brain organoids have been a rapidly expanding avenue for biomedical research in general and specifically: neural development, regeneration, and central nervous system pathophysiology. However, technology replicating functional aspects of the human brain, including electrically active neural networks, requires a responsible code of conduct. In this review, we focus the discussion on intrinsic and extrinsic ethical factors associated with organoids: intrinsic considerations arise with the growing complexity of human brain organoids, including human-animal chimerism, consciousness development, and questions of where these human-like beings fall in a moral hierarchy. Extrinsic considerations explore ethics on obtainment, manufacturing, and production of sophisticated human products. In summary, a thoughtful code of conduct using human brain organoids towards the advancement of science and medicine is crucial. This article shall facilitate a structured thought process approaching the moral landscape of organoid technology.