Optimization of Electrospun Fibrous Membranes for in Vitro Modeling of Blood-Brain Barrier

Virginia Pensabene1, Spencer Crowder2, Daniel Balikov3, Jung Bok Lee3, Hak-Joon Sung3

  • 1University of Leeds
  • 2Imperial College London
  • 3Vanderbilt University

Details

08:00 - 08:15 | Wed 17 Aug | Fantasia K | WeAT7.1

Session: Biomaterial-Cell Interactions

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in brain homeostasis at the cellular and global level. Mimicking the selective permeability and transport properties of the BBB to specific molecules and cells remains a significant challenge towards the development of a physiologically relevant in vitro BBB model. In this study, we developed electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) copolymer membranes that supported different cellular components of the neurovascular unit including human-derived endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Comparative analyses of thickness, morphology, biocompatibility and permeability of membranes were also conducted. We found that collagen coated 4%PEG-96%PCL membranes supported the growth of a confluent and tight endothelium confirmed by transendothelial electrical resistance measurements (TEER). Based on fabrication process and reported results, we finally discuss the adoption of these electrospun fiber membranes for in vitro and on-a-chip human BBB models.