Interstitial flow enhances the formation, connectivity, and function of 3D brain microvascular networks generated within a microfluidic device.

ABSTRACT: The bulk flow of interstitial fluid through tissue is an important factor in human biology, including the development of brain microvascular networks (MVNs) with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Bioengineering perfused, functional brain MVNs has great potential for modeling neurovascular diseases and drug delivery. However, most in vitro models of brain MVNs do not implement interstitial flow during the generation of microvessels. Using a microfluidic device (MFD), we cultured primary human brain endothelial cells (BECs), pericytes, and astrocytes within a 3D fibrin matrix with (flow) and without (static) interstitial flow. We found that the bulk flow of interstitial fluid was beneficial for both BEC angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Brain MVNs cultured under flow conditions achieved a

SUBMITTER: Winkelman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9257897 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature