Abstract
The organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) is in the list of top 10 emerging technologies and refers to a physiological organ biomimetic system built on a microfluidic chip. Through a combination of cell biology, engineering, and biomaterial technology, the microenvironment of the chip simulates that of the organ in terms of tissue interfaces and mechanical stimulation. This reflects the structural and functional characteristics of human tissue and can predict response to an array of stimuli including drug responses and environmental effects. OOAC has broad applications in precision medicine and biological defense strategies. Here, we introduce the concepts of OOAC and review its application to the construction of physiological models, drug development, and toxicology from the perspective of different organs. We further discuss existing challenges and provide future perspectives for its application.
Highlights
Microfluidics is a science and technology that precisely manipulates and processes microscale fluids
OOAC combines a range of chemical, biological and material science disciplines [9] and was selected as one of the “Top Ten Emerging Technologies” in the World Economic Forum [10]
Upper layers are present in the culture chamber and the drive chambers represent the lower layers; d 3D illustration; e real-life chip; f SEM of the chip cross section
Summary
Microfluidics is a science and technology that precisely manipulates and processes microscale fluids. Humayun et al [68] cultured airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells at different sides of a hydrogel membrane to assess their suitability as a physiological model. This device enables direct visualization and quantitative analysis of diverse biological processes of the intact kidney tubule in ways that have not been possible in traditional cell culture or animal models, and it may prove to be helpful for studying the basic molecular mechanisms of kidney function and disease.
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