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Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality
Published on: May 5, 2022
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Modeling mucus physiology and pathophysiology in human organs-on-chips
Zohreh Izadifar1, Alexandra Sontheimer-Phelps1, Bob A Lubamba1
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|September 30, 2022
Summary
New organ-on-a-chip models create realistic mucus layers for studying human health and disease. These microfluidic devices offer unprecedented biomimicry for investigating mucus biology and its role in various organs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mucosal Immunology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Mucus layers protect human organs but studying their biology is difficult due to limited in vitro models.
- Disruption of the mucus layer is linked to disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in organ-on-a-chip microfluidic models for studying human mucus.
- To highlight the application of these models for lung, colon, small intestine, cervix, and vagina.
Main Methods:
- Development of microfluidic culture systems that mimic human organ epithelial barriers and mucus layers.
- Incorporation of dynamic fluid flow, air-liquid interfaces, and mechanical cues.
Main Results:
- Organ-on-a-chip models successfully reconstitute physiologically relevant mucus layers.
- These models enable detailed study of mucus composition, mechanics, and structure.
Conclusions:
- Organ-on-a-chip technology provides a powerful, biomimetic platform for advancing mucus biology research.
- These models are crucial for understanding mucus's role in health and disease across multiple human organs.
