Revolutionary Brain-On-A-Chip Technology Promises Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research

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Researchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, have developed a groundbreaking brain-on-a-chip technology aimed at enhancing treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Dr. Raquel Rodrigues, a chemical and biological engineer at INL, highlighted the complexity of the human brain and the necessity for advanced tools to monitor brain activity and improve drug development.

The technology, funded by the European Union, emerged from a two-year research project, BrainChip4MED, which wrapped up in February 2024. The resulting brain-emulating microchip, resembling a small computer chip, utilizes a combination of chemistry, biology, and engineering to create a micro-biosensor system. This innovative chip implements microfluidics, allowing researchers to test multiple samples and analyze tiny quantities of substances, ultimately reducing costs associated with drug testing.

A significant challenge in treating neurological disorders is the blood-brain barrier, a protective membrane that limits drug access to the brain. By recreating this barrier using bioorganic material on the chip, researchers can assess how well potential treatments penetrate this crucial barrier. Current Alzheimer’s medications only address symptoms rather than the disease itself, primarily due to the financial risks pharmaceutical companies face when developing drugs that may not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Dr. Manuel Bañobre-López, INL's Nanomedicine Research Group leader, noted that while the prototype is ready, additional refinement and rigorous testing are essential before it can be utilized in human clinical trials. Given that around 165 million Europeans live with brain disorders, and with associated healthcare costs expected to rise, this innovative technology represents a significant step forward in addressing these pressing health challenges.

The development of the brain-on-a-chip is expected to revolutionize the way neurological therapies are developed, moving away from traditional animal testing methods towards more ethical and effective alternatives.

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