Scientists at the University of Rochester have developed advanced microchip systems containing human tissue. This technological achievement allows researchers to study the human brain in detail under both healthy, normal conditions and during pathological changes. In particular, the focus is on how the brain is affected by diseases and processes such as acute inflammation, infection, or chronic neurodegenerative disorders (for example, Alzheimer’s disease).
The main goal of this innovation is to replace animal research and make results as accurate as possible for the human body. The technology facilitates the study of the blood-brain barrier—a critical boundary that protects the brain from toxins in the blood. Damage to this barrier is the starting point for many neurological problems, so understanding its function is crucial for studying disease progression in a controlled and realistic environment.
Under the leadership of Professor James McGrath, the research team designed these microchips to simulate interactions between different types of human tissue.
The study focused on understanding the mechanisms by which the brain responds to extremely strong immune reactions, specifically cytokine storms. A cytokine storm is a life-threatening condition caused by uncontrolled, widespread activation of the immune system and is often associated with severe infections (such as sepsis) or complex surgical interventions.
Results published in Advanced Science showed that inflammation can damage the blood-brain barrier, allowing inflammatory molecules to enter the brain parenchyma and cause cell damage. However, researchers also concluded that natural blood flow helps strengthen the barrier.
The research team plans to expand the microchip models to integrate additional brain components, specifically microglia. Microglia are resident immune cells of the brain that play a critical role in maintaining neuronal health.
The improved models serve two main purposes: they can be used to test the effectiveness of new neuroprotective therapies and identify patients at the highest risk of inflammation-induced brain damage.
In the future, this technology will lay the groundwork for personalized medicine, as it will be possible to create simulation chips of brain tissue individually for patients. This achievement will allow scientists to assess drug safety and toxicity before serious interventions such as major surgeries or chemotherapy.
A second study published in Materials Today Bio focused on the function of pericytes, supportive cells that help maintain the blood-brain barrier. Researchers found that pericytes can repair structural defects in blood vessel walls by creating a fibrous network, which stabilizes the barrier. This discovery is important as it opens the way for therapies aimed at preserving or restoring pericytes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Together, both studies represent a significant step toward safer and more precise methods for studying the human brain.
Source: Advanced Science
