3D tissue engineered ischemic stroke model

• Applicant: Karolina Chwalek, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: from 2014 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 262955702

Ischemic stroke caused by blood vessel occlusion results in reduced brain functions due to the neuronal necrosis. Approaches aimed at the restoration of homeostasis and neuronal regeneration remains unsuccessful due to the lack of appropriate research models for adequate drug validation prior to clinical studies. The aim of this project is to develop a novel 3D tissue engineered human neurovascular unit which would recapitulate the pathophysiology of stroke in vitro. We plan to assemble a tissue construct composed of silk and collagen scaffolds seeded with human brain-derived cells in a spatially confined manner, and utilize microfluidics to mimic vascular flow and embolism. The human endothelial cells and pericytes will be seeded in the hollow channels connected to microfluidic flow to recapitulate the blood vessel component of the system. Astrocytes, microglia and neurons embedded in collagen gels will be delivered to the bulk porous silk scaffold around the channels to generate the brain-like tissue. Ultimately, this heterocellular microperfused model will be used to emulate ischemic stroke for physiological functions and drug screening. We expect to advance the development of new routes toward neuroprotection.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor David Kaplan, Ph.D.