Sensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip platforms: Improving the predictive validity in neurodegenerative research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Pathology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect millions globally, particularly those over 60.
• Current treatments for NDDs are limited due to high clinical trial failure rates and inadequate animal models.
• Developing predictive human cell-based models is crucial for advancing NDD research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in neurodegenerative disease research utilizing organ-on-a-chip platforms.
• To highlight the importance of replicating the (patho-)physiological microenvironment in in vitro models.
• To focus on non-invasive sensing strategies for monitoring disease phenotypes.

Main Methods:

• Review of organ-on-a-chip platforms for NDD modeling.
• Analysis of non-invasive sensing strategies (electrical, electrochemical, optical).
• Discussion of on-chip and off-chip sensing for key analyte detection.

Main Results:

• Microphysiological systems (organ-on-a-chip) show superiority over static 2D/3D cultures.
• These systems allow emulation and monitoring of disease onset, progression, and remission.
• Non-invasive sensing strategies are key for effective NDD monitoring in these platforms.

Conclusions:

• Organ-on-a-chip platforms represent a significant advancement for NDD preclinical research.
• Integrated sensing technologies enhance the predictive validity of these human cell-based models.
• Future research should focus on optimizing these systems for targeted NDD therapeutics.