Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided an insect model for determining the penetration of nanoparticles through the BBB. The model is also directed to the use of insects for studying the environmental safety of nanoparticles. The particles are administered into the hemolymf of an insect having a BBB, such as the locust, and the uptake into the brain is analysed. Thus, in this model it is possible to investigate the potential up-take into the brain of nanoparticles circulating in the blood.