Innovative Brain-on-a-Chip Technology Sheds Light on How Sepsis and Neurodegenerative Diseases Harm Brain Health

Scientists at the University of Rochester have pioneered advanced brain-on-a-chip models that utilize human tissue to better understand the complex behavior of the brain under normal and pathological conditions. Moving away from traditional animal experiments, these micro-engineered chips replicate key aspects of brain tissue, enabling researchers to study how neurodegenerative diseases and systemic conditions like sepsis impact brain health.

Led by Professor James McGrath, the team focuses on the interactions between blood vessels and brain tissue, particularly at the blood-brain barrier, a critical shield that maintains brain stability. Recent studies published in Advanced Science and Materials Today Bio use these chips to explore how inflammation caused by systemic immune responses, such as cytokine storms during sepsis, can compromise this barrier.

The research demonstrates that severe inflammatory responses lead to breakdowns in the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances and inflammatory proteins to infiltrate the brain, resulting in potential injury. Kaihua Chen, a biomedical engineering Ph.D. student, highlighted that blood flow itself can strengthen the barrier, revealing that both biological and engineering factors are crucial in brain defense mechanisms.

Future advancements aim to integrate immune cells, like microglia, into these chips, offering deeper insights into neuronal damage during inflammatory events. This technology holds promise for preempting brain injuries in patients experiencing cytokine storms, such as those undergoing major surgeries or chemotherapy.

Additionally, a secondary study investigates the role of support cells called pericytes, which help maintain the integrity of blood vessels in the brain. Findings showed that pericytes are vital in repairing breaches in the blood-brain barrier, especially under inflammatory stress, opening avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative conditions.

Overall, these innovative models provide a powerful platform for screening neuroprotective drugs, developing personalized treatments, and improving our understanding of brain diseases, ultimately aiming to preserve brain health during systemic illnesses.