The NVU Chip project served as the catalyst for establishing a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group that focused on bioengineering approaches to construct a neurovascular unit (NVU) model. Each member of the group was assigned to different project objectives, fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge to achieve successful outcomes.
During the course of the NVU Chip project, we embarked on the design and fabrication of innovative microfluidic devices tailored to cultivate cells under physiologically relevant flow and shear conditions. Leveraging 3D printing technologies, we generated molds to cascade microfluidic chips with diverse channel sizes and shapes. These devices were then subjected to comprehensive investigations involving cell-culturing at varying flow rates and shear forces. Moreover, we integrated additional modules into our chip system to monitor crucial cellular activities, such as transendothelial electrical resistance and oxygen sensing. The culmination of our efforts resulted in the coculturing of brain endothelial cells and peripheral cells within our custom-designed chip models, yielding vascularized brain models. A significant aspect of the project involved the development of unique differentiation protocols, enabling us to obtain neurons and brain endothelial cells from mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, ongoing work focuses on refining differentiation protocols for endothelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. As a testament to the project's impact, two master's students conducted their theses on the differentiation of neurons and endothelial cells, respectively.
We have undertaken an array of research endeavors in the field of microfluidic chips, which have resulted in several significant publications. These include a review article detailing the design of microfluidic chips, a conference paper outlining the successful implementation of pH sensors for organ crisps, and a book chapter focusing on epilepsy chip models integrated with blood-brain barrier components. Furthermore, we have collaborated on two additional review articles. Moreover, our contributions extend to the domain of vascular chip models, where a master's thesis was dedicated to the design and fabrication of such models.
Presently, we are actively engaged in a patent application for our unique chip design and concurrently working on three scientific publications centered around vascular chip models and endothelial cell differentiation protocols. The NVU chip project, in particular, has served as a foundational cornerstone for our research group, leading to the initiation of various other projects. These subsequent endeavors have received funding from esteemed local and European sources.
