Synthetic developmental biology: Engineering approaches to guide multicellular organization

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Bioengineering
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Multicellular organisms exhibit natural self-organization processes.
• Organoids are in vitro 3D structures mimicking in vivo organ anatomy and physiology.
• Organoids develop from stem cells via self-organization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of synthetic developmental biology.
• To classify engineering approaches used to guide organoid self-organization.
• To discuss the role of engineering in overcoming organoid construction limitations.

Main Methods:

• Review of multidisciplinary literature on engineering and organoid development.
• Novel classification of engineering approaches based on microenvironmental manipulation.
• Discussion of current and future engineering tools for organoid construction.

Main Results:

• Organoids represent a powerful tool for studying organ development and disease.
• Synthetic developmental biology offers a framework for precise control over organoid formation.
• Engineering interventions can guide multicellular self-organization in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Engineering approaches are crucial for advancing organoid technology.
• Synthetic developmental biology holds promise for creating more sophisticated organoid models.
• Further development of engineering tools is needed to address current challenges in organoid construction.