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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
In Vitro Three-Dimensional Sprouting Assay of Angiogenesis Using Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells for Vascular Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
Published on: May 11, 2021
Organ-on-a-chip technologies for biomedical research and drug development: A focus on the vasculature
Diosangeles Soto Veliz1,2,3, Kai-Lan Lin1,2,3, Cecilia Sahlgren1,2,3,4,5
1Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
Current biomedical models fail to replicate the complexity of human biology. Consequently, almost 90% of drug candidates fail during clinical trials after decades of research and billions of investments in drug development. Despite their physiological similarities, animal models often misrepresent human responses, and instead, trigger ethical and societal debates regarding their use. The overall aim across regulatory entities worldwide is to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animal experimentation, a concept known as the Three Rs principle. In response, researchers develop experimental alternatives to improve the biological relevance of in vitro models through interdisciplinary approaches. This article highlights the emerging organ-on-a-chip technologies, also known as microphysiological systems, with a focus on models of the vasculature. The cardiovascular system transports all necessary substances, including drugs, throughout the body while in charge of thermal regulation and communication between other organ systems. In addition, we discuss the benefits, limitations, and challenges in the widespread use of new biomedical models. Coupled with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-a-chip technologies are the future of drug discovery, development, and personalized medicine.
Insights
Organ-on-a-chip technology offers a more accurate model of human biology than traditional methods. This advancement promises to improve drug discovery and personalized medicine, reducing reliance on animal testing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Discovery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current biomedical models inadequately represent human physiology, leading to high drug candidate failure rates (approx. 90%) in clinical trials.
- Animal models, despite physiological similarities, often yield inaccurate human response data and face ethical scrutiny, driving the need for alternatives aligned with the Three Rs principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight organ-on-a-chip technologies (microphysiological systems) as advanced in vitro models for improved biological relevance.
- To focus on vascular models within organ-on-a-chip technology for applications in drug development and personalized medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of organ-on-a-chip technologies, specifically focusing on vascular models.
- Integration of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells with microphysiological systems.
Main Results:
- Organ-on-a-chip models, particularly those of the vasculature, offer enhanced physiological relevance compared to traditional models.
- These systems demonstrate potential for more accurate prediction of drug efficacy and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Organ-on-a-chip technology, especially when combined with patient-derived stem cells, represents the future of drug discovery, development, and personalized medicine.
- Widespread adoption requires addressing current limitations and challenges in the technology's application and scalability.
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