The blood-brain barrier (BBB) explains why certain substances circulating in the blood are able to get into the brain and others do not. As determined by electron microscopy, the BBB is formed by brain capillaries that look like simple tubes of endothelial cells. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the BBB maintains the chemical environment for neuronal function and protects the brain from harmful substances.

Every year millions of dollars are spent by pharmaceutical companies to develop and test drugs using in vitro models of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), many of which end up not working in vivo. We have developed a practical in vitro model that more accurately reflects the BBB characteristics. The blood-brain barrier is therefore crucial for complex issues such as drug delivery, pathogenesis of chronic neurological diseases, and issues related to bio-defense.