The model developed by Mr. Wei Wei’s does not rely on the use of animals, but instead uses human brain cells – cerebral endothelial cells and human primary pericytes and astrocytes – to create a model that recapitulates the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). The human BBB is different from that of other species and the awarded in vitro model represents a significant advancement in replicating human physiological processes and offering an alternative to animal models.

Furthermore, the functionality of this BBB model can be monitored in real time through a special sensor system with transparent electrodes and high-resolution imaging that measures the integrity of the barrier. This is done without needing to use pumps and allows to run multiple experiments in parallel, speeding up the research process. With this system, it is possible to study how the BBB responds in the case of a reduced blood flow, like for example in a stroke, with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, and without the use of animals.

We visited Dr. Wei in Zürich and made this video series with him: