Materials for blood brain barrier modeling in vitro

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for brain homeostasis but hinders drug delivery for neurological diseases.
• In vitro BBB models using brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are vital for predicting drug passage.
• Limited understanding exists regarding BMEC interactions with biomaterial substrates and their effect on BBB function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common biomaterials used for culturing BMECs in vitro.
• To discuss the impact of biomaterial properties on BBB integrity in vitro.
• To categorize cell culture dimensions based on material degradability and system complexity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biomaterials for BMEC culture.
• Analysis of biomaterial properties: stiffness, porosity, and degradability.
• Categorization of in vitro BBB models into 2D, 2.5D, and 3D systems.

Main Results:

• Identified common synthetic and natural biomaterials used in BBB models.
• Highlighted the influence of material biophysical properties on BBB integrity.
• Classified models based on material degradability and dimensionality (2D, 2.5D, 3D).

Conclusions:

• Biomaterial selection significantly impacts the fidelity of in vitro BBB models.
• Understanding material properties is essential for developing predictive BBB models.
• Advancements in 3D vascularized systems offer more physiologically relevant BBB models.