Introduction The capability of the m-μSiM for establishing an hiPSC-derived blood-brain barrier (BBB) in bioengineering and bioscience laboratories has been shown previously [1]. To further demonstrate interlaboratory agreement and successful dissemination of components and protocols, m-μSiM was used at RIT (Abhyankar lab) to establish an hiPSC-BMECs monolayer. Method All reagents and steps were used based…
Introduction Studies have shown that the shear-stimulation of endothelial cells results in the upregulation of the shear-sensitive transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). KLF2 plays a critical role in the regulation of endothelial activity such as the regulation of vascular tone, anti-inflammatory responses, and antithrombotic functions. KLF2 is also responsible for the upregulation of endothelial…
1. Introduction 1.1 Vascular barriers Functions: Maintain tissue homeostasis, control transport and gas exchange, recruit immune cells during inflammation Figure 1. Schematic illustration of a vasculature barrier in the human body. Endothelial cells as a building element of vasculature barriers line up along the vessel walls and separate the vessel from the tissue. Different stages…
Introduction In a previous post, an initial version of the flow module and its sealing components were described. In order to improve the initial version based on collaborators’ feedback, several modifications have been made to simplify the device assembly for the end-user (Fig. 1) and address concerns about: 1) Local regions of high shear stress…
1. Introduction Fluid flow is one of the key elements of vascular models for delivering nutrients and growth factors to cells as well as introducing other components like neutrophils. In post 1, we described our modular design for incorporating a flow module into the uSiM device. Then, we presented fluid flow simulation and its experimental…
1. Introduction Fluid flow is an influential component of vascular models for conditioning cells and introducing other components such as leukocytes. In the previous post, we described our modular design for integrating a flow module into the uSiM device. Here, the simulated fluid flow and its experimental validation using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique are…
Introduction Sepsis is a serious condition where unregulated systemic inflammation can cause organ failure and death. Recent evidence has also shown that sepsis can cause cognitive impairment in surviving patients. However, the mechanisms that cause sepsis-related damage to the brain are challenging to study with the current in vitro tools. In this project, our goal…