SensorTransBBB

The project aims at the investigation of 1) generically applicable microsystem technologies for the integration of electrical, electrochemical and optical sensors into microphysiological systems (organ-on-chip) in microtiter plate format and 2) the influence of precisely controllable pathological states with these sensors on the properties of an in vitro microfluidic model of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) as an application example.
Methodology:
Microtechnology: Microsensors are integrated into optically transparent films (COP) with electrical through-plating and backside contacts. The foils are bonded onto a multiwell microfluidic system (TransBBB chip) available from preliminary work.
Cell biology: Endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes are placed on or in a functionalized gel in a microchannel and cultivated under perfusion. Transendothelial resistance, expression of tight junction proteins and permeability of the BBB are determined.
Expected results:
Generic microsystem technology for the integration of sensors into organ-on-chip systems
Disease model of the blood-brain barrier (e.g. hypoxia after stroke) to investigate the barrier properties under controlled pathological conditions.
Benefits. Technology platform for sensor technology:
Technology platform for sensor technology in organ-on-chip systems and scalability of the new technologies (chip in established standard format) and resulting integration capability of these organ-on-chip systems into existing workflows in cell biology and drug development. Versatile applicability and transferability to other organ models (connectivity).
Disease model of the blood-brain barrier for more realistic drug tests with the possibility of measuring effect parameters.