Microfluidic Axon Degeneration Model Development
Understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the development of therapies can be best explored through models of axonal degeneration. Protheragen focuses on developing advanced microfluidic models of axonal degeneration for the use in the preclinical evaluation of therapies aimed at rare neurological diseases, including motor neuron disorders. With us, you can be certain that your research is supported with the highest quality expertise, propelling your efforts in drug development.
Introduction to Microfluidic Axon Degeneration Models
Degeneration of axons stands out as one of the most critical pathologic features of many rare neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome. The traditional in vitro models have limited applications because they do not incorporate the complex microenvironment and mechanical factors that maintain axonal stability. Microfluidic models of axon degeneration solve these problems by providing unique spatial confinement of neuronal compartments and enabling observation of degeneration progression in real-time.
Fig.1 Soma and axonal deficits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (Coleman M P., 2022)Application of Microfluidic Axon Degeneration Models
Microfluidic axon degeneration models offer potent resources for studying neurodegenerative pathology and therapeutic development. Such platforms allow for precise study of axonal transport deficits, Wallerian degeneration pathways, and neuroprotective compound efficacy under controlled microenvironments. Given the presence of ventricularized neuronal structures and the application of mechanical stimulation to maintain physiological relevance, these models are appropriate for drug efficacy testing, toxicity evaluation, and biomarker profiling.
Fig.2 Schematic representation of the Wallerian degeneration. (Varejão A S P., 2017)
Our Services
Protheragen focuses on developing microfluidic models of axonal degeneration to study the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and develop therapeutics for rare neurological disorders. These platforms allow for incredibly precise high-throughput drug screening, axonal transport studies, and evaluation of neurotoxic effects. These models enable validation of crucial therapeutic targets, discovering pertinent biomarkers, and conducting preclinical tests.
Microfluidic Axon Degeneration Model Development Services
Compartmentalized 2D Axon Degeneration Models
These microfluidic platforms feature isolated chambers for neuronal somas and axons, enabling targeted study of axonal biology. The accuracy of their fluidic control enables the independent alteration of axonal microenvironments without compromising cellular viability.
3D Hydrogel-Embedded Axon Models
These systems replicate in vivo mechanical and biochemical conditions by encapsulating neurons in tunable extracellular matrices. The 3D architecture enables the study of axon-glia interactions along with matrix-dependent degeneration pathways.
Patient-Derived iPSC Models
Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells from neurological patients, these models capture authentic genetic disease profiles. They enable personalized drug testing and mechanistic studies of inherited axonopathies with human-specific relevance.
Injury-Induced Degeneration Models
These configurable systems apply controlled mechanical, chemical or ischemic insults to initiate degeneration. Real-time imaging capabilities permit detailed analysis of degeneration kinetics and therapeutic intervention effects.
Key Physiological Parameters of Microfluidic Axon Degeneration Models
Protheragen's microfluidic models replicate key physiological parameters to enable disease-relevant axon degeneration studies with enhanced pathological accuracy and therapeutic screening precision.
- Mechanical Cues: 0.5–3 dyn/cm² shear stress (mimicking CNS fluid dynamics)
- Trophic Factor Gradients: BDNF, NGF, or NT-3 spatial patterning
- Axon-ECM Interactions: Collagen I/Matrigel stiffness (0.5–5 kPa)
- Metabolic Monitoring: Real-time oxygen/glucose flux measurements
- Electrical Activity: MEA (microelectrode array) compatibility for functional assays
These microfluidic axon degeneration models are strictly validated and fully compliant with international ethical norms and regulatory standards. Using these models, Protheragen also provides comprehensive pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), and toxicology research services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Coleman M P. Axon biology in ALS: Mechanisms of axon degeneration and prospects for therapy[J]. Neurotherapeutics, 2022, 19(4): 1133-1144.
- Varejão A S P. Olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cells and biomaterials: A new combination to regenerative therapies after peripheral nerve injury[J]. Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Isolation, Characterization and Applications, 2017: 77.