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Mughis H, Lye P, Imperio GE, Bloise E, Matthews SG. Hypoxia modulates P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) drug transporters in brain endothelial cells of the developing human blood-brain barrier. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30207. [PMID: 38737275 PMCID: PMC11088273 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters are localized at the luminal surface of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They confer fetal brain protection against harmful compounds that may be circulating in the peripheral blood. The fetus develops in low oxygen levels; however, some obstetric pathologies such as pre-eclampsia, placenta accreta/previa may result in even greater fetal hypoxic states. We investigated how hypoxia impacts MDR transporters in human fetal brain endothelial cells (hfBECs) derived from early and mid-stages of pregnancy. Hypoxia decreased BCRP protein and activity in hfBECs derived in early pregnancy. In contrast, in hfBECs derived in mid-pregnancy there was an increase in P-gp and BCRP activity following hypoxia. Results suggest a hypoxia-induced reduction in fetal brain protection in early pregnancy, but a potential increase in transporter-mediated protection at the BBB during mid-gestation. This would modify accumulation of various key physiological and pharmacological substrates of P-gp and BCRP in the developing fetal brain and potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders commonly associated with in utero hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsah Mughis
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sinai Health System, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sinai Health System, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guinever E. Imperio
- Sinai Health System, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departmento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Stephen G. Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sinai Health System, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Asimakidou E, Tan JKS, Zeng J, Lo CH. Blood-Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:612. [PMID: 38794182 PMCID: PMC11123901 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant hurdle in effective drug delivery to the brain. While the BBB serves as a crucial protective barrier, it poses challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to their intended targets within the brain parenchyma. To enhance drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases, several delivery technologies to circumvent the BBB have been developed in the last few years. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most versatile and promising tools. Here, we summarize the characteristics of NPs that facilitate BBB penetration, including their size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and importantly, their conjugation with various biological or synthetic molecules such as glucose, transferrin, insulin, polyethylene glycol, peptides, and aptamers. Additionally, we discuss the coating of NPs with surfactants. A comprehensive overview of the common in vitro and in vivo models of the BBB for NP penetration studies is also provided. The discussion extends to discussing BBB impairment under pathological conditions and leveraging BBB alterations under pathological conditions to enhance drug delivery. Emphasizing the need for future studies to uncover the inherent therapeutic properties of NPs, the review advocates for their role beyond delivery systems and calls for efforts translating NPs to the clinic as therapeutics. Overall, NPs stand out as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for precise BBB targeting and drug delivery in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evridiki Asimakidou
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Justin Kok Soon Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore;
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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3
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Ponmozhi J, Dhinakaran S, Kocsis D, Iván K, Erdő F. Models for barrier understanding in health and disease in lab-on-a-chips. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2221632. [PMID: 37294075 PMCID: PMC11042069 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2221632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of body homeostasis relies heavily on physiological barriers. Dysfunction of these barriers can lead to various pathological processes, including increased exposure to toxic materials and microorganisms. Various methods exist to investigate barrier function in vivo and in vitro. To investigate barrier function in a highly reproducible manner, ethically, and high throughput, researchers have turned to non-animal techniques and micro-scale technologies. In this comprehensive review, the authors summarize the current applications of organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices in the study of physiological barriers. The review covers the blood-brain barrier, ocular barriers, dermal barrier, respiratory barriers, intestinal, hepatobiliary, and renal/bladder barriers under both healthy and pathological conditions. The article then briefly presents placental/vaginal, and tumour/multi-organ barriers in organ-on-a-chip devices. Finally, the review discusses Computational Fluid Dynamics in microfluidic systems that integrate biological barriers. This article provides a concise yet informative overview of the current state-of-the-art in barrier studies using microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ponmozhi
- Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IPS Academy-Institute of Engineering Science, Indore, India
| | - S. Dhinakaran
- The Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Dorottya Kocsis
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Iván
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Franciska Erdő
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Mansouri M, Hughes AR, Audi LA, Carter AE, Vidas JA, McGrath JL, Abhyankar VV. Transforming Static Barrier Tissue Models into Dynamic Microphysiological Systems. J Vis Exp 2024:10.3791/66090. [PMID: 38436378 PMCID: PMC11096840 DOI: 10.3791/66090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems are miniaturized cell culture platforms used to mimic the structure and function of human tissues in a laboratory setting. However, these platforms have not gained widespread adoption in bioscience laboratories where open-well, membrane-based approaches serve as the gold standard for mimicking tissue barriers, despite lacking fluid flow capabilities. This issue can be primarily attributed to the incompatibility of existing microphysiological systems with standard protocols and tools developed for open-well systems. Here, we present a protocol for creating a reconfigurable membrane-based platform with an open-well structure, flow enhancement capability, and compatibility with conventional protocols. This system utilizes a magnetic assembly approach that enables reversible switching between open-well and microfluidic modes. With this approach, users have the flexibility to begin an experiment in the open-well format using standard protocols and add or remove flow capabilities as needed. To demonstrate the practical usage of this system and its compatibility with standard techniques, an endothelial cell monolayer was established in an open-well format. The system was reconfigured to introduce fluid flow and then switched to the open-well format to conduct immunostaining and RNA extraction. Due to its compatibility with conventional open-well protocols and flow enhancement capability, this reconfigurable design is expected to be adopted by both engineering and bioscience laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Aidan R Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Lauren A Audi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Anna E Carter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - Justin A Vidas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology
| | - James L McGrath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester
| | - Vinay V Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology;
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5
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Li FR, Yu Y, Du YM, Kong L, Liu Y, Wang JH, Chen MH, Liu M, Zhang ZX, Li XT, Ju RJ. Borneol-Modified Schisandrin B Micelles Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier To Treat Alzheimer's Disease in Aged Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:593-607. [PMID: 38214579 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Schisandrin B (Sch B) is a bioactive dibenzocyclooctadiene derizative that is prevalent in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Sch B has a neuroprotective action by reducing oxidative stress and effectively preventing inflammation. It follows that Sch B is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the drug's solubility, bioavailability, and lower permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can all reduce its efficacy during the therapy process. Therefore, this study constructed borneol-modified schisandrin B micelles (Bor-Sch B-Ms), which increase brain targeting by accurately delivering medications to the brain, effectively improving bioavailability. High therapeutic efficacy has been achieved at the pathological site. Methods: Bor-Sch B-Ms were prepared using the thin film dispersion approach in this article. On the one hand, to observe the targeting effect of borneol, we constructed a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model in vitro and studied the ability of micelles to cross the BBB. On the other hand, the distribution of micelle drugs and their related pharmacological effects on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage were studied through in vivo administration in mice. Results: In vitro studies have demonstrated that the drug uptake of bEnd.3 cells was increased by the borneol alteration on the surface of the nano micelles, implying that Bor-Sch B-Ms can promote the therapeutic effect of N2a cells. This could result in more medicines entering the BBB. In addition, in vivo studies revealed that the distribution and circulation time of medications in the brain tissue were significantly higher than those in other groups, making it more suitable for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Conclusion: As a novel nanodrug delivery system, borneol modified schisandrin B micelles have promising research prospects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Rui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yu-Meng Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Enze Biomass Fine Chemicals, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Qingyuan Road 19, Beijing 102617, China
| | - Liang Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Jia-Hua Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Mu-Han Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Mo Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Zi-Xu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Xue-Tao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Rui-Jun Ju
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Enze Biomass Fine Chemicals, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Qingyuan Road 19, Beijing 102617, China
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6
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Graybill PM, Jacobs EJ, Jana A, Agashe A, Nain AS, Davalos RV. Ultra-thin and ultra-porous nanofiber networks as a basement-membrane mimic. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4565-4578. [PMID: 37772328 PMCID: PMC10623910 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00304c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Current basement membrane (BM) mimics used for modeling endothelial and epithelial barriers in vitro do not faithfully recapitulate key in vivo physiological properties such as BM thickness, porosity, stiffness, and fibrous composition. Here, we use networks of precisely arranged nanofibers to form ultra-thin (∼3 μm thick) and ultra-porous (∼90%) BM mimics for blood-brain barrier modeling. We show that these nanofiber networks enable close contact between endothelial monolayers and pericytes across the membrane, which are known to regulate barrier tightness. Cytoskeletal staining and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements reveal barrier formation on nanofiber membranes integrated within microfluidic devices and transwell inserts. Further, significantly higher TEER values indicate a biological benefit for co-cultures formed on the ultra-thin nanofiber membranes. Our BM mimic overcomes critical technological challenges in forming co-cultures that are in proximity and facilitate cell-cell contact, while still being constrained to their respective sides. We anticipate that our nanofiber networks will find applications in drug discovery, cell migration, and barrier dysfunction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Graybill
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Edward J Jacobs
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Aniket Jana
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Atharva Agashe
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Amrinder S Nain
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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7
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Wang T, Dao L, Guo Z, Li T. A 3D Microfluidic Device with Vertical Channels toward In Vitro Reconstruction of Blood-Brain Barrier. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083581 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a three-dimensional microfluidic device with an array of vertical channels to enable regulated, continuous, vertical flows to emulate the environment for in vitro culturing of brain and blood vessel organoids. This is expected to ultimately lead to in vitro reconstruction of the blood-brain barrier that is of high interest to studies on mental illness mechanisms and drug delivery to the brain. Twelve vertical microfluidic channels, each with 300 µm diameter and 5 mm height, were formed in the high-permeability agar gel surrounding the organoid to realize the vertical circulation flows and to allow lateral diffusion flows. The combined vertical flow rate of all channels ranges from 2.1 to 6.8 mL/min under different control parameters. A 30-day-old human blood vessel organoid was planted into the device for initial culturing and flow function tests. The result indicates that the organoid was properly activated with effective flow generation in the culturing site of the device.
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8
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Ngo MT, Sarkaria JN, Harley BA. Perivascular Stromal Cells Instruct Glioblastoma Invasion, Proliferation, and Therapeutic Response within an Engineered Brain Perivascular Niche Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201888. [PMID: 36109186 PMCID: PMC9631060 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells are found in the perivascular niche microenvironment and are believed to associate closely with the brain microvasculature. However, it is largely unknown how the resident cells of the perivascular niche, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, influence GBM tumor cell behavior and disease progression. A 3D in vitro model of the brain perivascular niche developed by encapsulating brain-derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes in a gelatin hydrogel is described. It is shown that brain perivascular stromal cells, namely pericytes and astrocytes, contribute to vascular architecture and maturation. Cocultures of patient-derived GBM tumor cells with brain microvascular cells are used to identify a role for pericytes and astrocytes in establishing a perivascular niche environment that modulates GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and therapeutic response. Engineered models provide unique insight regarding the spatial patterning of GBM cell phenotypes in response to a multicellular model of the perivascular niche. Critically, it is shown that engineered perivascular models provide an important resource to evaluate mechanisms by which intercellular interactions modulate GBM tumor cell behavior, drug response, and provide a framework to consider patient-specific disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T. Ngo
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | | | - Brendan A.C. Harley
- Department Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Cancer Center at IllinoisUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
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9
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Van Breedam E, Ponsaerts P. Promising Strategies for the Development of Advanced In Vitro Models with High Predictive Power in Ischaemic Stroke Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137140. [PMID: 35806146 PMCID: PMC9266337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although stroke is one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability, and more than a thousand candidate neuroprotective drugs have been proposed based on extensive in vitro and animal-based research, an effective neuroprotective/restorative therapy for ischaemic stroke patients is still missing. In particular, the high attrition rate of neuroprotective compounds in clinical studies should make us question the ability of in vitro models currently used for ischaemic stroke research to recapitulate human ischaemic responses with sufficient fidelity. The ischaemic stroke field would greatly benefit from the implementation of more complex in vitro models with improved physiological relevance, next to traditional in vitro and in vivo models in preclinical studies, to more accurately predict clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss current in vitro models used in ischaemic stroke research and describe the main factors determining the predictive value of in vitro models for modelling human ischaemic stroke. In light of this, human-based 3D models consisting of multiple cell types, either with or without the use of microfluidics technology, may better recapitulate human ischaemic responses and possess the potential to bridge the translational gap between animal-based in vitro and in vivo models, and human patients in clinical trials.
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10
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A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061283. [PMID: 35745855 PMCID: PMC9229021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.
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11
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Tu TY, Shen YP, Lim SH, Wang YK. A Facile Method for Generating a Smooth and Tubular Vessel Lumen Using a Viscous Fingering Pattern in a Microfluidic Device. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:877480. [PMID: 35586553 PMCID: PMC9108369 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.877480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are ubiquitous in the human body and play essential roles not only in the delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients but also in many disease implications and drug transportation. Although fabricating in vitro blood vessels has been greatly facilitated through various microfluidic organ-on-chip systems, most platforms that are used in the laboratories suffer from a series of laborious processes ranging from chip fabrication, optimization, and control of physiologic flows in micro-channels. These issues have thus limited the implementation of the technique to broader scientific communities that are not ready to fabricate microfluidic systems in-house. Therefore, we aimed to identify a commercially available microfluidic solution that supports user custom protocol developed for microvasculature-on-a-chip (MVOC). The custom protocol was validated to reliably form a smooth and functional blood vessel using a viscous fingering (VF) technique. Using VF technique, the unpolymerized collagen gel in the media channels was extruded by less viscous fluid through VF passive flow pumping, whereby the fluid volume at the inlet and outlet ports are different. The different diameters of hollow tubes produced by VF technique were carefully investigated by varying the ambient temperature, the pressure of the passive pump, the pre-polymerization time, and the concentration of collagen type I. Subsequently, culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells inside the hollow structure to form blood vessels validated that the VF-created structure revealed a much greater permeability reduction than the vessel formed without VF patterns, highlighting that a more functional vessel tube can be formed in the proposed methodology. We believe the current protocol is timely and will offer new opportunities in the field of in vitro MVOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ting-Yuan Tu,
| | - Yen-Ping Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Yang-Kao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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12
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Miura S, Morimoto Y, Furihata T, Takeuchi S. Functional analysis of human brain endothelium using a microfluidic device integrating a cell culture insert. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:016103. [PMID: 35308826 PMCID: PMC8912992 DOI: 10.1063/5.0085564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized brain endothelial barrier structure that regulates the highly selective transport of molecules under continuous blood flow. Recently, various types of BBB-on-chip models have been developed to mimic the microenvironmental cues that regulate the human BBB drug transport. However, technical difficulties in complex microfluidic systems limit their accessibility. Here, we propose a simple and easy-to-handle microfluidic device integrated with a cell culture insert to investigate the functional regulation of the human BBB endothelium in response to fluid shear stress (FSS). Using currently established immortalized human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC/ci18), we formed a BBB endothelial barrier without the substantial loss of barrier tightness under the relatively low range of FSS (0.1–1 dyn/cm2). Expression levels of key BBB transporters and receptors in the HBMEC/ci18 cells were dynamically changed in response to the FSS, and the effect of FSS reached a plateau around 1 dyn/cm2. Similar responses were observed in the primary HBMECs. Taking advantage of the detachable cell culture insert from the device, the drug efflux activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was analyzed by the bidirectional permeability assay after the perfusion culture of cells. The data revealed that the FSS-stimulated BBB endothelium exhibited the 1.9-fold higher P-gp activity than that of the static culture control. Our microfluidic system coupling with the transwell model provides a functional human BBB endothelium with secured transporter activity, which is useful to investigate the bidirectional transport of drugs and its regulation by FSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigenori Miura
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Morimoto
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Takeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Ding Y, Shusta EV, Palecek SP. Integrating in vitro disease models of the neurovascular unit into discovery and development of neurotherapeutics. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 20:100341. [PMID: 34693102 PMCID: PMC8530278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the transport of small molecules, proteins, and cells between the bloodstream and the central nervous system (CNS). Brain microvascular endothelial cells work with other resident brain cell types, including pericytes, astrocytes, neurons, and microglia, to form the neurovascular unit (NVU) and maintain BBB integrity. The restrictive barrier influences the pathogenesis of many CNS diseases, and impedes the delivery of neurotherapeutics into the CNS. In vitro NVU models enable the discovery of complex cell-cell interactions involved in human BBB pathophysiology in diseases including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and viral infections of the brain. In vitro NVU models have also been deployed to study the delivery of neurotherapeutics across the BBB, including small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy vectors and immune cells. The high scalability, accessibility, and phenotype fidelity of in vitro NVU models can facilitate the discovery and development of effective neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Cameron T, Bennet T, Rowe EM, Anwer M, Wellington CL, Cheung KC. Review of Design Considerations for Brain-on-a-Chip Models. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:441. [PMID: 33921018 PMCID: PMC8071412 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the need for sophisticated human in vitro models for integrative biology has motivated the development of organ-on-a-chip platforms. Organ-on-a-chip devices are engineered to mimic the mechanical, biochemical and physiological properties of human organs; however, there are many important considerations when selecting or designing an appropriate device for investigating a specific scientific question. Building microfluidic Brain-on-a-Chip (BoC) models from the ground-up will allow for research questions to be answered more thoroughly in the brain research field, but the design of these devices requires several choices to be made throughout the design development phase. These considerations include the cell types, extracellular matrix (ECM) material(s), and perfusion/flow considerations. Choices made early in the design cycle will dictate the limitations of the device and influence the end-point results such as the permeability of the endothelial cell monolayer, and the expression of cell type-specific markers. To better understand why the engineering aspects of a microfluidic BoC need to be influenced by the desired biological environment, recent progress in microfluidic BoC technology is compared. This review focuses on perfusable blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU) models with discussions about the chip architecture, the ECM used, and how they relate to the in vivo human brain. With increased knowledge on how to make informed choices when selecting or designing BoC models, the scientific community will benefit from shorter development phases and platforms curated for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Cameron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tanya Bennet
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elyn M. Rowe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mehwish Anwer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheryl L. Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (E.M.R.); (M.A.); (C.L.W.)
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen C. Cheung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (T.C.); (T.B.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Ahn SI, Kim Y. Human Blood-Brain Barrier on a Chip: Featuring Unique Multicellular Cooperation in Pathophysiology. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:749-752. [PMID: 33602608 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Advances in stem cell engineering have opened new avenues for more accurately developing in vitro models of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we highlight state-of-the-art human BBB-on-a-chip technologies and discuss the importance of human brain cells for better modeling the human brain pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ih Ahn
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Mepsgenlab Inc., Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Mepsgenlab Inc., Atlanta, GA 30309, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Radchenko EV, Dyabina AS, Palyulin VA. Towards Deep Neural Network Models for the Prediction of the Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability for Diverse Organic Compounds. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245901. [PMID: 33322142 PMCID: PMC7763607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Permeation through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is among the most important processes controlling the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and other bioactive compounds. Using the fragmental (substructural) descriptors representing the occurrence number of various substructures, as well as the artificial neural network approach and the double cross-validation procedure, we have developed a predictive in silico LogBB model based on an extensive and verified dataset (529 compounds), which is applicable to diverse drugs and drug-like compounds. The model has good predictivity parameters (Q2=0.815, RMSEcv=0.318) that are similar to or better than those of the most reliable models available in the literature. Larger datasets, and perhaps more sophisticated network architectures, are required to realize the full potential of deep neural networks. The analysis of fragment contributions reveals patterns of influence consistent with the known concepts of structural characteristics that affect the BBB permeability of organic compounds. The external validation of the model confirms good agreement between the predicted and experimental LogBB values for most of the compounds. The model enables the evaluation and optimization of the BBB permeability of potential neuroactive agents and other drug compounds.
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