Development of a functional 3D brain organoid with microvasculature and a blood‐brain barrier

Abstract Background Brain organoids are self‐assembled 3D cell aggregates developed from pluripotent stem cells with various cell types and extracellular structures that resemble the embryonic human brain. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) based organoids show great promise in disease modeling applications. Our previous work has validated the use of novel polyphenolic compounds to combat neurodegenerative diseases in animal and traditional cell culture models. The goal of the present study is to continue to explore the development of a functional brain organoid system with microvasculature and a blood‐brain barrier using iPSCs. Method iPSCs were differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, oligodendrocytes, brain microvascular endothelial cells, and other relevant cell types. The organoid was developed using previously published protocols. The blood‐brain barrier was constructed by co‐culturing the different cell types. Result In this ongoing study, we demonstrate the development of a more accurate and functional brain organoid system with microvasculature and a blood‐brain barrier using iPSCs. Conclusion Our organoid will serve as a model for neurodegenerative diseases, drug discovery and the screening of novel polyphenolic compounds from dietary flavanols which have been recently associated with reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Dementia.