Blood-brain barrier (BBB): an overview of the research of the blood-brain barrier using microfluidic devices

Andries Dirk van der Meer, F. Wolbers, I. Vermes

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique feature of the human body, preserving brain homeostasis and preventing toxic substances to enter the brain. However, in various neurodegenerative diseases, the function of the BBB is disturbed. Mechanisms of the breakdown of the BBB are incompletely understood and therefore a realistic model of the BBB is essential. This chapter highlights the anatomy and physiology of the BBB and gives an overview of the current available in vitro models to study the BBB in detail. Proof-of-concept work of BBB-on-Chips are described. Additionally, examples are given to optimize the present devices by engineering the microenvironment to better mimic the in vivo situation. This combination of biomedical science and micro-engineering will generate exciting new results in the field of neurovascular biology.
    Original languageUndefined
    Title of host publicationMicrofluidics for medical applications
    EditorsAlbert van den Berg, Loes Segerink, Loes Irene Segerink
    Place of PublicationCambridge
    PublisherRoyal Society of Chemistry
    Pages40-53
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Print)978-1-84973-637-4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Publication series

    NameRSC Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
    PublisherThe Royal Society of Chemistry
    Number36
    ISSN (Print)1757-7136

    Keywords

    • EWI-26734
    • IR-99331
    • METIS-315550

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