Pioneers Create Brain-On-A-Chip That Holds Key to Developing Effective Alzheimer's Treatments
In a groundbreaking achievement, Portuguese researchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) have successfully developed a brain-on-a-chip device that simulates human brain function and holds promise for developing more effective treatments for serious neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
The miniature device, about the size of a computer chip, uses microfluidics technology to analyze very small quantities of nanotherapeutics, reducing the overall cost of testing. This innovation is designed to overcome the limitations of current drug development methods, which often rely on animal testing or trial-and-error approaches.
According to Dr. Raquel Rodrigues, lead researcher at INL, "The brain is a complex and puzzling organ, and we need electronic monitoring of cells and experimental parts so we can learn how it works." Her team's work on the brain-on-a-chip device seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by replicating the human brain's protective barrier, known as the blood-brain barrier.
One key challenge in developing Alzheimer's treatments is getting medications past this membrane, which only allows tiny molecules to pass through. Traditional methods of testing have been inefficient, leading to a paltry four commercially available Alzheimer's drugs that simply manage symptoms rather than treat the underlying disease.
The researchers' brain-on-a-chip device overcomes these limitations by using bioorganic materials to mimic the human skin and blood-brain barrier, allowing for real-time monitoring of drug efficacy. This innovation also represents a promising alternative to animal testing, which has been widely criticized for its lack of reproducibility in human subjects.
The stakes are high, with an estimated 165 million Europeans living with brain disorders, a global cost of €800 billion ($820 billion) per year on healthcare budgets, and an expected increase amidst an aging population. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pose significant challenges for the medical community.
While the brain-on-a-chip prototype is now ready, further refinement and testing are necessary before it can be used to treat human patients. However, Dr. Rodrigues expressed optimism about the potential of this technology in combatting Alzheimer's, a formidable neurological enemy.
"We need to find new drugs, and our technology is a serious step forward in that direction," she said, highlighting the significance of this breakthrough in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease.