Translational organoid technology – the convergence of chemical, mechanical, and computational biology

Abstract

Successful clinical translation of organoid technology requires insights that extend beyond biology and biochemistry, notably from the fields of mechanical and computational biology. This review highlights recent advances in the organoid field that could potentially accelerate translation. We first review organoid fabrication methods, focusing on engineering approaches that increase organoid reproducibility, controllability, and production ability, as well as the physical conditions, culture media, and extracellular materials that regulate cell signaling and mechanotransduction. We then review computation-based organoid evaluation, including both information acquisition and data mining. Finally, we summarize the limitations of current advances and application horizons as well as the perspective of digital organoids.