Journal
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 89-103Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1253676
Keywords
In vitro; alternative; technology; cell culture; brain; cerebrovascular; drug testing; permeability; brain disorders
Categories
Funding
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [R01DA029121]
- Alternatives Research and Development Foundation
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Introduction: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic biological interface which actively controls the passage of substances between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS). From a biological and functional standpoint, the BBB plays a crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis inasmuch that deterioration of BBB functions are prodromal to many CNS disorders. Conversely, the BBB hinders the delivery of drugs targeting the brain to treat a variety of neurological diseases. Area covered: This article reviews recent technological improvements and innovation in the field of BBB modeling including static and dynamic cell-based platforms, microfluidic systems and the use of stem cells and 3D printing technologies. Additionally, the authors laid out a roadmap for the integration of microfluidics and stem cell biology as a holistic approach for the development of novel in vitro BBB platforms. Expert opinion: Development of effective CNS drugs has been hindered by the lack of reliable strategies to mimic the BBB and cerebrovascular impairments in vitro. Technological advancements in BBB modeling have fostered the development of highly integrative and quasi-physiological in vitro platforms to support the process of drug discovery. These advanced in vitro tools are likely to further current understanding of the cerebrovascular modulatory mechanisms.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available