Hanging-drop-based, 3D blood-brain-barrier model

Abstract

The selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to delivery of drugs to the central nervous system (CNS), so that in vitro BBB models are needed for drug permeability studies. Here, we present a pump-free, hanging-drop-based microfluidic BBB model that recapitulates key BBB structural features and functions. BBB function was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining, which showed a high expression of tight-junction proteins, and by its low permeability to the paracellular diffusion of small molecules. The model included a 3D network of pericytes and astrocytes embedded in a hydrogel layer in close proximity to the endothelial cells.