Work

An optically transparent membrane supports shear stress studies in a three-dimensional microfluidic neurovascular unit model

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: We report a microfluidic blood-brain barrier model that enables both physiological shear stress and optical transparency throughout the device. Brain endothelial cells grown in an optically transparent membrane-integrated microfluidic device were able to withstand physiological fluid shear stress using a hydrophilized polytetrafluoroethylene nanoporous membrane instead of the more commonly used polyester membrane. A functional three-dimensional microfluidic co-culture model of the neurovascular unit is presented that incorporates astrocytes in a 3D hydrogel and enables physiological shear stress on the membrane-supported endothelial cell layer.

Source: Biomicrofluidics

DOI: 10.1063/1.4935594

Authors: Katelyn L. Sellgren, Brian T. Hawkins, Sonia Grego

Institution: RTI International

Language: English

Topic: Barrier Structure and Function Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: RTI International