Microfluidic Neurovascular Unit (NVU) Model Development
Focusing on the neurovascular unit (NVU) models development, Protheragen uses microfluidics to emulate complex cell interactions and hemodynamics in the human brain. Such models provide a relevant pathophysiological platform for studying the mechanisms of diseases, drug permeability, and treatment strategies.
Overview of Microfluidic Neurovascular Unit (NVU) Models
The neurovascular unit (NVU) model using microfluidics technology is a remarkable advancement for studying the pathology of neurological disorders, especially for the rare diseases where blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown plays a critical role. The NVU is made up of a composite structure of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons, which functions to manage cerebral blood supply, protect brain tissues, and provide nutrients to the brain. Unlike traditional in vitro systems, microfluidic NVUs are able to maintain dynamic shear stress, 3D structures, and cell-cell interactions that exist in the human brain, thus enhancing their predictive accuracy and precision for novel therapeutics testing and disease modeling.
Fig.1 Cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU). (Smith, Brandon C., et al., 2022)
Application of Microfluidic Neurovascular Unit (NVU) Models
Microfluidic NVU models are now vital in the fields of neuroscience and drug development, allowing for detailed studies of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular coupling, as well as the mechanisms of various diseases. The sophisticated systems facilitate the screening of drug permeability and the study of neuroinflammation. The microfluidic NVU platforms that recreate human-specific pathophysiology with unmatched accuracy are changing ischemic stroke research, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, the optimization of CNS drug delivery, and much more, all while reducing reliance on animal models.
Fig.2 Layout and design of the neurovascular unit (NVU). (Brown, Jacquelyn A., et al., 2015)
Our Services
In order to speed up the research and the therapeutic development for rare neurological disorders, Protheragen is focused on creating an advanced model of neurovascular unit (NVU) which aims to replicate the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). This model facilitates extensive preclinical studies to evaluate drug permeability, neurovascular system dysfunction, and mechanisms of action.
Single-Channel Microfluidic NVU Model Development
For simple BBB studies, Protheragen designs and supplies single-channel standardized microfluidic NVU systems where endothelial cell microvessels interface with crucial neural cell types (astrocytes/pericytes). Our developed systems allow for complete workflows including drug permeation, toxicity evaluation, and fundamental neurovascular interaction studies.
Multi-Channel 3D Microfluidic NVU Model Development
Enabled by the ECM-based matrix, the advanced multichannel 3D NVU system simulates complex neurovascular networks for the simultaneous investigation of vascular permeability, cell migration, and neuroimmune activity. These models are particularly critical in studying the mechanisms of rare diseases like cerebral small vessel diseases or neuroinflammation due to their more physiologically relevant simulations.
Organoid-Integrated Microfluidic NVU Model Development
Our organoid-based NVU system combines stem cell-derived brain organoids with advanced microvascular networks, demonstrating a high level of physiological relevance. This system can be utilized for drug evaluation and exploring disease mechanisms while maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity and neurovascular coupling.
Following the ethical guidelines and compliance requirements, Protheragen's neurovascular unit (NVU) model supports performing pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK) and comprehensive toxicology assessments. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Smith, Brandon C., et al. "Targetability of the neurovascular unit in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system." Immunological reviews 311.1 (2022): 39-49.
- Brown, Jacquelyn A., et al. "Recreating blood-brain barrier physiology and structure on chip: A novel neurovascular microfluidic bioreactor." Biomicrofluidics 9.5 (2015).