Human OA model technologies: “Joint-on-a-chip”

Abstract

Purpose: None of the currently available animal models is capable of capturing the full complexity of osteoarthritis in man. Organ-on-chip technology is an emerging field aiming at developing miniaturized humanized models for understanding organ function in health and disease. These micro-physiological systems are expected better predictive for human disease than animals and ultimately may reduce the need for animal testing. It is expected that these joint-on-chip models proof valuable in deciphering complex interactions between joint tissues in the initiation and progression of disease which cannot easily be studied in human. Methods: Various attempts are currently explored to engineer a human joint-on-chip. They have all in common that they rely on a multidisciplinary approach, requiring the input from typical engineering disciplines from diverse fields like microfluidics, polymer chemistry and processing and physics of fluids with life sciences. Results: In this session, I will highlight basic principles from organ-on-chip technologies. Together we will work on a set of minimal characteristics that would define a joint-on-chip. We will discuss the challenges that still need resolving. I will illustrate the session with examples from literature and our own work on recreating the human joint on a chip. Conclusions: While still in its infancy, the human joint-on-chip has the potential to advance our understanding of the human joint as an organ and increase our understanding of the complexity of osteoarthritis.