Revolutionary Development in Alzheimer’s Treatment: Self-Assembly of Cerebral Blood Vessels

A research collaboration led by Professors Jinah Jang from POSTECH and Sun Ha Paek from Seoul National University Hospital has successfully developed a groundbreaking 3D model that accurately mimics the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) in a laboratory setting. Published in Biomaterials Research, this study addresses the limitations of existing BBB models by utilizing a cerebrovascular-specific bioink derived from porcine brain and blood vessels, paired with advanced 3D bioprinting technology. The model features a dual-layered structure formed spontaneously when human brain endothelial cells and vascular pericytes are printed together, effectively replicating the architecture of actual blood vessels. This innovative approach facilitates the study of neuroinflammatory mechanisms linked to neurodegenerative diseases and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. The research received support from various national institutions, highlighting its potential impact on understanding and treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.