In the human body, physiological barriers allow the separation between different compartments of the body or with the outer environment. These barriers have a fundamental role in the control of the absorption of external substances like nutrients and xenobiotics, as well as in the maintenance of the homeostasis of the different body compartments. Moreover, they act like the first level of defense against microorganisms, toxins and allergens. For these reasons, the study of biological barriers is crucial not only for a better understanding of their physiology and pathology, but also in drug testing and toxicology studies.
Our group developed a double flow bioreactor with an integrated impedance measuring system, allowing to provide the cells with a dynamic environment and to monitor in real time barrier health.
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