Blood and Lymphatic Vasculatures On-Chip Platforms and Their Applications for Organ-Specific In Vitro Modeling

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pathology

Background:

• The human circulatory system comprises distinct cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, essential for nutrient/waste transport, fluid homeostasis, and immune response.
• Both systems exhibit organ-specific variations and play vital roles in maintaining overall homeostasis.
• Dysfunction in either vasculature can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the heterogeneity of blood and lymphatic vessels.
• To explore current in vitro models, particularly three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic devices, for studying vascular physiology and pathology.
• To discuss organ-specific vascular features and disease implications, focusing on the gut and brain.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of vascular heterogeneity and in vitro modeling techniques.
• Analysis of organ-specific vascular functions and pathologies in the gut and brain.
• Emphasis on the application of on-chip (microfluidic) technologies for disease modeling.

Main Results:

• Vascular heterogeneity necessitates advanced in vitro models that replicate physiological conditions like flow, extracellular matrix, and biochemical gradients.
• Three-dimensional microfluidic devices show promise for accurately modeling in vivo vascular environments.
• Organ-specific vascular differences impact disease manifestation and progression.

Conclusions:

• Advanced in vitro models, especially 3D microfluidics, are vital for studying complex vascular systems and associated diseases.
• Understanding organ-specific vascular characteristics is key to developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
• On-chip techniques provide powerful tools for disease modeling and research.