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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

An Intestine/Liver Microphysiological System for Drug Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Assessment
Published on: December 3, 2020
Microphysiological systems meet hiPSC technology - New tools for disease modeling of liver infections in basic
Martin Raasch1, Enrico Fritsche2, Andreas Kurtz2
1Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Germany.
Abstract:
Complex cell culture models such as microphysiological models (MPS) mimicking human liver functionality in vitro are in the spotlight as alternative to conventional cell culture and animal models. Promising techniques like microfluidic cell culture or micropatterning by 3D bioprinting are gaining increasing importance for the development of MPS to address the needs for more predictivity and cost efficiency. In this context, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer new perspectives for the development of advanced liver-on-chip systems by recreating an in vivo like microenvironment that supports the reliable differentiation of hiPSCs to hepatocyte-like cells (HLC). In this review we will summarize current protocols of HLC generation and highlight recently established MPS suitable to resemble physiological hepatocyte function in vitro. In addition, we are discussing potential applications of liver MPS for disease modeling related to systemic or direct liver infections and the use of MPS in testing of new drug candidates.
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