BBBBoost
SUPPLEMENT FOR ROBUST BBB MODELS
OPTIMIZING BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PERFORMANCE
A robust and predictive BBB model is critical for assessing the efficacy, toxicity and permeability of brain-targeting compounds.
What are the current challenges with BBB modeling?
- Inconsistent vessel performance and lack of proper cell arrangements in 2D or transwell-type Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) models.
- High lot-to-lot variability of primary cells also leads to time-consuming optimization and high assay failure rates, especially for advanced BBB models built in microphysiological systems (MPS).
AIM’s Solution: BBBBoost
The multipurpose supplement that boosts BBB robustness and performance
BBBBoost is a specialized, assay-ready supplement that helps standardize in vitro BBB assays. By stabilizing vessel structures and strengthening barrier properties, BBBBoost ensures the formation of perfusable microvasculature with in vivo-like tightness. This supplement minimizes the lot-to-lot variability of cell sources, improving the consistency and physiological relevance required for confident research and drug development.
Key Features
- Simplicity. Ready-to-use 100X supplement.
- Performance. Ensures the formation of functional vessels.
- Integrity. Contributes to a more reliable and in vivo-like Blood–Brain Barrier.
- Consistency. Maintains uniform permeability across different primary cell batches.
- Compatibility. Works across various BBB model systems, including idenTx and organiX platforms.
Benefits
Reliable Assay Outcomes
Reproducible drug transport and permeability measurements for greater confidence
Enhanced Physiological Relevance
In vitro BBB models that
better reflect human biology
Ready-to-use
Integrates smoothly into
standard culture workflows
Product Validation
Effect of BBBBoost on perfusable vessel formation.
Primary Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (Angio-Proteomie), Primary Human Astrocytes (ScienCell), and Primary Human Brain Pericytes (Cell Systems) were cultured for 7 days in the idenTx 40 plate to generate self-assembled BBB microvascular networks. On day 7, cultures were perfused with 70 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FD70S, Sigma-Aldrich) for 10 minutes to assess vessel perfusability. BBBBoost (100X stock) was added at a final concentration of 1X on Days 5 and 6 to EGM-2MV medium (Lonza) supplemented with 1X Astrocyte Growth Supplement (ScienCell). Images represent the 10-minute post-perfusion time point; each experimental site comprises two acquired fields per condition.
Comparison of BBB Permeability with and without BBBBoost. BBB permeability (cm/s) was quantified from images acquired 2–4 minutes after dextran perfusion. Each data point represents the average of two fields per experimental site. No data is reported for Cell Lot 2 without BBBBoost as only limited vessels were perfusable. In vivo rat measurements reported a permeability of 0.96 ± 0.13 × 10⁻⁷ cm/s, represented in the shaded grey box (Yuan et al., 2003). Permeability with BBBBoost for Cell Lots 1 and 2 ranged from 9.11 × 10⁻⁹ to 9.76 × 10⁻⁸ cm/s. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA.
Product Details
For ease of application, each of AIM’s idenTx and organiX products is paired with sufficient aliquots of BBBBoost for your BBB experiments.
| Product SKU | No. of vials supplied for each SKU |
| BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST) |
1 vial |
| idenTx 40 Plate Box of 5 + BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST-IX40) |
5 vials |
| idenTx 9 Plate Box of 8 + BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST-IX9) |
2 vials |
| idenTx 3 Chip 25 chips per box + BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST-IX3) |
2 vials |
| organiX Plate Box of 3 + BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST-OP3) |
5 vials |
| organiX Plate Box of 1 + BBBBoost (SKU: BBBST-OP1) |
2 vials |
Exclusive Pricing
Bundled Price: Enjoy preferential pricing when purchasing BBBBoost together with any of AIM’s MPS platforms. BBBBoost is also available as a standalone product.
Selected Publications Using AIM’s Technology
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
- Bioengineered perfused human brain microvascular networks enhance neural progenitor cell survival, neurogenesis, and maturation. Winkelman, M. A., & Dai, G. (2023). Science Advances, 9(19), eaaz9499
- Simultaneous induction of vasculature and neuronal network formation on a chip reveals a dynamic interrelationship between cell types. Isosaari, L., Vuorenpää, H., Yrjänäinen, A., Kapucu, F. E., Kelloniemi, M., Pakarinen, T. K., … & Narkilahti, S. (2023). Cell Communication and Signaling, 21(1), 132.
- Unveiling the Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Spatial Heterogeneity on Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma Using an Advanced Human In Vitro Model of the Blood‐Brain Barrier and Glioblastoma. Lam, M. S., Aw, J. J., Tan, D., Vijayakumar, R., Lim, H. Y. G., Yada, S., … & Pavesi, A. (2023). Small, 19(52), 2302280.
- Engineered human blood–brain barrier microfluidic model for vascular permeability analyses. Hajal, C., Offeddu, G. S., Shin, Y., Zhang, S., Morozova, O., Hickman, D., … & Kamm, R. D. (2022). Nature protocols, 17(1), 95-128.
- Interstitial flow enhances the formation, connectivity, and function of 3D brain microvascular networks generated within a microfluidic device. Winkelman, M. A., Kim, D. Y., Kakarla, S., Grath, A., Silvia, N., & Dai, G. (2022).Lab on a Chip, 22(1), 170-192
- Biosensors Integration in Blood–Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip: Emerging Platform for Monitoring Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mir, M., Palma-Florez, S., Lagunas, A., López-Martínez, M. J., & Samitier, J. (2022)
- Study of the neurotoxicity of indoor airborne nanoparticles based on a 3D human blood-brain barrier chip. Li, Y., Liu, Y., Hu, C., Chang, Q., Deng, Q., Yang, X., & Wu, Y. (2020). Environment international, 143, 105598
- 3D self-organized microvascular model of the human blood-brain barrier with endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Campisi, M., Shin, Y., Osaki, T., Hajal, C., Chiono, V., & Kamm, R. D. (2018). Biomaterials, 180, 117-129
For more publications using our technology to study vascular biology, visit our website publications page.