C12117 A Platform for Creating an Artificial Blood Brain Barrier
Invention novelty:
This invention provides a platform for developing a three-dimensional in vitro model of blood brain barrier (BBB).
Value Proposition:
The BBB is a dynamic interface that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis of the brain. Disruption of the BBB is associated with many neurological diseases. In addition, as a barrier, it also presents as a significant roadblock in delivering drugs to the brain and therefore becomes the rate-limiting step in drug discovery and the development of new therapies for various central nervous system diseases. This invention presents a platform for developing an in vitro model of BBB. Advantages include:
- Three-dimensional model
- Visually accessible and optically transparent through light microscopy, permitting real-time, live-cell imaging;
- Captures the key molecular and physical properties of the BBB;
- Can be easily modified to investigate other vascular disorders, such as metastatic cancer.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a platform for creating an artificial brain capillary that serves as an in vitro model of the BBB. The capillary is formed in a cylindrical channel in a 3D matrix that serves as an artificial extracellular matrix and provides physiologically relevant microenvironment. With this platform, the BBB can be studied while the degree of complexity can be increased systematically, and biological and physico-chemical variables can be controlled independently. Furthermore, by incorporating different cell types and extracellular matrices, one can use the platform to investigate other vascular disorders, such as metastatic cancer.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a novel in vitro model of BBB.
Stage of Development: Pre-Clinical
Data Availability: Under CDA/NDA
Patent Status: Pending
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: Not available at this time
Categories: Research Tools
Keywords: Blood brain barrier, three-dimensional, capillary, vessel, extracellular matrix, endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, metastatic cancer
