The blood-brain tumor barrier (BTB) has been known as a vasculature compromised by brain tumors. This dysfunctional barrier can be characterized by its heterogeneity and a number of distinct features. These characteristics include low junction protein...
The blood-brain tumor barrier (BTB) has been known as a vasculature compromised by brain tumors. This dysfunctional barrier can be characterized by its heterogeneity and a number of distinct features. These characteristics include low junction protein expression, non-uniform permeability, and expression of active efflux transporters. Furthermore, stromal cells surrounding the endothelial barrier, such as astrocytes and pericytes, react by the interaction with brain tumors. To recapitulate the complex structure and function of the brain tumor microenvironment, in vivo-like composition should be well-constructed. In this study, the in vivo solid brain tumor-like three-dimensional brain tumor spheroids consisting of brain tumor cellular components are constructed. Moreover, the microfluidic platform allows for microvascularization of the brain tumor spheroid. In conclusion, the microvascularized brain tumor spheroid in the microfluidic platform can provide a drug delivery testing system through BTB as an innovative preclinical brain cancer model.