This image shows a small-scale device that incorporates human cells of the brain. Endothelial cells that form blood vessels are mixed with supporting cells of the brain tissue (pericytes and astrocytes). A brain tumor (glioblastoma) spheroid is shown in the center of the device. All cells are mixed on day 0 and following 7 days of culture, endothelial cells form blood vessels (shown in red) surrounding and adjacent to the brain tumor spheroid.

This model was used to study tumor-normal tissue interactions at the brain and the delivery of novel nanoparticles and therapies to brain tumors via the surrounding blood vessels through blood vessel-tumor tissue transport mechanisms. Learn more about this work here.