Chapter 8. 3D Tissue Modelling of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce a recapitulation of 3D brain tissue on a microfluidic platform. Reconstruction of specific features of the brain, rather than entire features, is a better strategy because of the complexity of the brain. Here, we would like to introduce two important features of the brain: the neural circuit and the blood–brain barrier. The structural and functional features of these were engineered in in vitro platforms. For the in vitro neural circuit, 3D axon bundle and synapse formation between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuron group were focused on. These features were recapitulated by injecting Matrigel into the microfluidic platform and then modifying the internal density pattern of the Matrigel using a micro-post array and hydrostatic pressure. For the in vitro blood–brain barrier, the low permeability of the vascular network could be obtained by mimicking many direct contacts between the vascular network and the astrocytes. These features were created by constructing a co-culture system capable of supplying different media both inside and outside the vascular network. Recapitulation of 3D brain tissue in these microfluidic platforms may lead to improvements in neuroscience and neuropharmacology.