Figure 2.

Schematic representation of an in vitro BBB model based on a Transwell insert (static conditions) and on an OOC microfluidic device (flow conditions). Both models present two separate compartments, reproducing the vascular zone (BLOOD) and the nervous tissue (BRAIN). To recreate the architecture of the BBB and compartmentalize the cell culture, a polycarbonate membrane is used in Transwell models, while other types of membranes and/or hydrogels can be used in the microdevices. In the proposed models, the co-cultures of the main cell types present in the BBB (endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes), as well as the neurons of the brain tissue, were integrated.