An in vitro blood brain barrier (BBB) that effectively mimics the dynamic cerebrovascular environment with fluid shear stress and key characteristics of a BBB model.

Current in-vitro BBB models lack the dynamic shear stress environment and precise measurement capabilities necessary for accurate blood-brain barrier research.

This novel microfluidic device is designed to mimic the physiological conditions of the blood-brain barrier more accurately than ever before. It features microfluidic channels that create a dynamic shear stress environment across a nanoporous membrane, which is essential for studying the BBB. The device also includes the first-ever co-culture of brain endothelial cells and astrocytes within a microfluidic system, providing a more realistic cellular model. Embedded within the device are thin-film electrodes on a glass substrate, enabling precise transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements across the endothelial cells, a critical factor in BBB integrity assessment.

• Dynamic Shear Stress Application: By adjusting flow rates or designing channel geometries, the device can simulate a wide range of shear stress environments, enhancing the physiological relevance of the model.
• Precise Measurement Conditions: The embedded flat electrodes with customizable gaps and dimensions allow for optimal TEER measurements, improving signal-to-noise ratios and accuracy.
• High-Throughput Capability: The device’s design enables multiple parallel arrays on a single chip, facilitating the study of shear stress effects on cells at a high throughput.
• Cost-Effective and Efficient: The microfluidic device requires minimal media volume, leading to faster testing turnaround, reduced reagent use, and lower overall costs.

Booth R, Kim H. Characterization of a microfluidic in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (μBBB). Lab Chip. 2012;12(10):1784-1792. doi:10.1039/c2lc40094d

Booth, R., & Kim, H. (2012). A parallel array microfluidic blood-brain barrier model for high-throughput quantitation of shear stress effects. (https://www.rsc.org/images/loc/2012/pdf/M.3.72.pdf)

Booth R, Kim H. Permeability analysis of neuroactive drugs through a dynamic microfluidic in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Ann Biomed Eng. 2014;42(12):2379-2391. doi:10.1007/s10439-014-1086-5

Publication Number: US-2014-0065660-A1
Patent Title: Microfluidic Biological Barrier Model and Associated Method
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Lucia Irazabal
lu.irazabal@utah.edu