Biology subjects

Montesi, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Montesi, L..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Shear Stress Modulates Endothelial Ca2+ Signaling and Barrier Integrity in a Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Platform

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the blood vessels and form the primary barrier between the bloodstream and the brain. Blood flow exerts a modulatory effect on the endothelial phenotype, and evidence indicates that capillary-like fluid shear stress enhances endothelial tight junctions and transporters. ECs possess mechanosensitive channels that activate endothelial responses and modulate their functions. Among the various responses to shear stress, morphological adaptations have been the most extensively studied, while functional live responses remain mostly unexplored. Calcium has been identified as key modulators that translates mechanical stimuli into biological processes, regulating endothelial activity. In this study we investigate the effect of acute and long-term shear stress on endothelial cells through live calcium imaging and immunocytochemistry, by using a modular 3D printed organ-on-a-chip, capable of simulating in-vivo capillary and enabling the possibility to study cellular crosstalk.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Engeneering the neurovascular unit: a novel sensorized microfluidic platform to study barrier function and maturation

Central nervous system diseases pose a significant challenge for the development of effective drugs and therapies. A major limiting factor is the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is both anatomically complex and characterized by a highly selective barrier. Conventional 2D in-vitro models and in-vivo animal models do not adequately replicate its pathophysiology. Organ-on-a-Chip technology provides a powerful platform to model the NVU, enabling replication of its anatomical and functional features within a dynamic microenvironment that closely mimics the human brain. However, the requirement for specialized facilities and technical expertise limits accessibility, reducing broader translational applications. Additionally, conventional endpoint analyses constrain real-time monitoring of cellular behavior. Here, we present and validate a novel bi-modular microfluidic chip that offers an easy-to-use and scalable solution for studying cellular cross-talk, while enabling live imaging and real-time measurements. The model incorporates human endothelial cells and primary neurons that were investigated through immunofluorescence and live imaging. The design overcomes key fabrication challenges and integrates a simplified method for Trans-Epithelial/Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) monitoring, allowing in situ real-time assessment of barrier integrity. Overall, this platform represents a robust and versatile tool for in-vitro studies of the NVU, facilitating comprehensive evaluation of its structural and functional dynamics. Our microfluidic NVU-on-chip represents a significant advancement in NVU modelling, providing a versatile platform for CNS drug screening, disease modelling, and personalized medicine applications.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Transepithelial/endothelial electrical measurement using a low-cost and customizable Arduino-based sensor

Transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a label-free assay that is commonly used to assess tissue barrier integrity. Although commercial TEER meters are available, they are expensive and difficult to customize, which hinders researchers hoping to incorporate them in other research platforms. In the past few years, microcontrollers have risen in popularity for electrical signaling and general programming, of which Arduino is the most popular platform due to its scalability, simplicity and low price. This work presents the development of a completely customized, user-friendly and low-cost TEER meter that is Arduino-based and capable of continuous measurements and automated data collection. We demonstrate the stability of the instrument to measure long-term real-time barrier formation and disruption of an epithelial and endothelial cell line. The design simplicity and low-cost of the components make this technology transferrable to other laboratories for TEER and biological barriers research.

bioengineering↗