Controlling permeabilities of ferrofluids with various coatings across the blood-brain barrier

In this study, an in vitro blood-brain barrier model was developed using murine brain endothelioma cells (bEnd.3). By comparing the permeability of FITC-Dextran at increasing exposure times in serum-free medium to such values in the literature, we confirmed that the blood-brain barrier model was successfully established. After such confirmation, the permeability of five ferrofluid (FFs) nanoparticle samples was determined using this model. Results indicated that FFs coated with collagen had better permeability across the blood-brain barrier than FFs coated with glycine or glutamic acid. Through such experiments, magnetic nanomaterials, such as ferrofluids, that are less permeable to the blood brain barrier can be used to decrease neural tissue toxicity and magnetic nanomaterials more permeable to the blood-brain barrier can be used for brain drug delivery.