Advancing Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Research: Innovative Tools and Breakthrough Insights from PELOBiotech
The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is an important regulator of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, safeguarding the brain from harmful substances while enabling essential molecular transport. Disruption of the BBB is linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and stroke (Abbott et al., 2010). Understanding these dynamics requires advanced in-vitro models and precise research tools (Van der Helm et al., 2016).
PELOBiotech offers a comprehensive range of solutions for BBB research, including high-quality primary cells, growth media, and advanced platforms like midifluidic systems and 3D hydrogels. These tools enable researchers to build accurate BBB models for studying function, permeability, and therapeutic strategies.
Primary Cells and Growth Media for BBB Research: Tools for Neurological Studies
PELOBiotech’s portfolio includes a range of high-quality primary and iPSC-derived cells, essential for building robust BBB models:
- Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (BMECs): Critical for forming the tight junctions characteristic of the BBB.
- Astrocytes: Support synaptic function and contribute to BBB integrity.
- Pericytes: Regulate vascular stability and neurovascular coupling.
- iPSC-Derived Neural Cells: Versatile and renewable sources for neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, ideal for isogenic BBB models.
Discover our full selection of brain and CNS cells here.
Browse our extensive catalog of primary cells and related products here.
Specialized Media:
Designed and tested media for all the above-mentioned cells, along with optimized coating solutions to support their growth and maintenance.
Discover our offered selection for your BBB research here.
Special focus on our Cellovations™ Microvascular Endothelial Cell Growth Medium Kit which ensures optimal cell viability and tight junction integrity, supporting accurate in-vitro studies (Li, 2023)
Dynamic Systems for BBB Research
SynVivo BBB System:Next-Generation Microfluidic Models
The SynVivo BBB system offers a microfluidic, cell-based platform designed to replicate the in vivo microenvironment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). By combining endothelial cells with supporting glial cells, the system emulates the histological structure and physiological functions of the BBB, offering an advanced solution for BBB research.
Key Applications:
- Analysis of tight junction proteins (e.g., Occludin, Claudin-5) to assess barrier integrity.
- Evaluation of drug transport and permeability under physiologically relevant flow conditions.
- Investigation of inflammatory responses and neuro-oncological interactions within the BBB microenvironment.
This system addresses the limitations of conventional BBB models by incorporating physiological shear stress and enabling real-time visualization, offering enhanced insights into BBB dynamics and function.
Midifluidic Chambers: Advanced Systems
With the advanced LiveBox chambers from our partner IVtech, PELOBiotech offers specialized solutions for studying the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) under dynamic in-vitro conditions. These systems enable 3D and dynamic cell cultures, providing a robust platform for understanding BBB permeability, barrier remodeling, and interactions between vascular cells and external factors.
Key Features of LiveBox for BBB Research:
- LiveBox 2: Specifically tailored for BBB modeling, this system supports dynamic conditions to mimic physiological barriers, such as the brain endothelium. It is ideal for studying tight junction integrity, cellular permeability, and neurovascular interactions.
- Transparent removable glass bottom for live imaging during static or dynamic culture using your microscope.
- Dynamic flow control to simulate in vivo-like conditions and maintain spheroids or co-cultures in floating states.
Applications:
- BBB Permeability Studies: Assess the impact of drugs or inflammatory mediators on barrier integrity.
- Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling: Investigate endothelial cell behavior under flow conditions relevant to the BBB.
- Neurovascular Unit Modeling: Explore interactions between endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes for advanced CNS research.
GradientEZ: Simplified 3D Models for BBB-Related Immune Research
GradientEZ provides a straightforward yet powerful approach to studying cell migration and invasion in 3D environments, crucial for modeling BBB-related immune responses and cellular interactions.
Key Benefits:
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- Simulates in vivo-like gradient-dependent conditions.
- Supports both adherent and suspension cell studies.
Hydrogels and Scaffolds in BBB Research: Essentials for 3D Modelling
Hydrogels and scaffolds are essential for creating 3D environments that support co-cultures of BBB-related cells. Products such as collagen-based hydrogels provide a supportive matrix for cell growth, while scaffolds like SEEDEZ glass microfiber scaffolds ensure structural integrity in co-culture systems.
Applications:
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- Enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation in co-culture systems.
- Supporting tight junction formation in BBB models.
Scientific Applications of PELOBiotech’s BBB Solutions
- Drug Delivery Studies: Evaluating permeability and CNS-targeted drug delivery strategies.
- Neuroinflammation Research: Exploring immune-CNS interactions and inflammatory responses.
- Toxicology Testing: Assessing neurotoxic effects of pharmaceuticals and environmental agents.
- Disease Modeling: Investigating BBB dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke models.
PELOBiotech provides a comprehensive range of products and platforms to support BBB research. By integrating dynamic systems, high-quality primary cells, and innovative 3D technologies, we enable researchers to understand the complexities of BBB function and advance therapeutic development.
For personalized assistance in selecting the right cells and media for your research needs, please contact us at info@pelobiotech.com or call +49 (0) 89 517 286 59 0.
References
- Abbott, N. J., et al. (2010). The blood-brain barrier: Physiology and strategies for drug delivery. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(6), 460-472.
- Van der Helm, M. W., et al. (2016). Mimicking the blood-brain barrier in a chip. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 85, 386-396
