https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2516-1091/ab23df/pdf

The emergence of 3D bioprinting in organ-on-chip systems

The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Development of spinal cord on a microfluidic chip

The present invention relates to the use of gels for cell cultures, including but not limited to microfluidic devices and transwell devices, for culturing cells, such as organ cells, e.g. airway cells, intestinal cells, etc., and co-culturing cells, (e.g. parenchymal cells and endothelial cells, etc). As one example, the use of gels results in improved lung cell cultures, such as when using transwells and microfluidic devices, (e.g. for culturing healthy airway epithelial cells, culturing diseased airway epithelial cells, e.g., CF epithelial cells that are ciliated).

Compositions and methods of using partial gel layers in a microfluidic device

The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and conducting experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). More specifically, microfluidic Brain-On-Chip, comprising neuronal and vascular endothelial cells, will be analyzed in both healthy and inflamed states to assess how the circumstances of space travel affect the human brain.

Effects of space travel on human brain cells

This application relates to a method for identifying a drug candidate capable of increasing or decreasing barrier tissue integrity of endothelial cells. Moreover, this application relates to the use of a tight junction gene transcriptional reporter as a surrogate marker of transendothelial barrier integrity.

Methods for assessing transendothelial barrier integrity

Microfluidic Model Of The Blood Brain Barrier

The invention relates to culturing motor neuron cells together with skeletal muscle cells in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the interaction of these cells mimic the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) providing a NMJ-on-chip. Good viability, formation of myo-fibers and function of skeletal muscle cells on fluidic chips allow for measurements of muscle cell contractions. Embodiments of motor neurons co-cultures with contractile myo-fibers are contemplated for use with modeling diseases affecting NMJ's, e.g. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Christopher Hinojosa

Papers

Microfluidic Model Of The Blood Brain Barrier

Development of spinal cord on a microfluidic chip

Neuromuscular Junction: NMJ-ON-CHIP