Pumped and pumpless microphysiological systems to study (nano)therapeutics.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nanomedicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microphysiological systems (MPS) are advanced microfluidic cell culture devices.
• They better mimic in vivo human tissue microenvironments compared to traditional cell culture methods.
• MPS are valuable tools for drug discovery and toxicity testing, including nanomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in pumped and pumpless MPS design and application.
• To highlight the potential of pumpless MPS in evaluating nanomaterials.
• To discuss the role of MPS in assessing nanomaterial uptake, biodistribution, elimination, and toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of recent advances in microphysiological system design.
• Focus on pumpless MPS utilizing gravity for medium recirculation.
• Comparison of pumped and pumpless MPS for nanomaterial evaluation.

Main Results:

• Pumpless MPS offer advantages in mimicking physiological conditions with near-physiological fluid volumes.
• Recent advances enhance the utility of MPS for evaluating nanomaterial interactions with tissues.
• Both pumped and pumpless MPS are crucial for comprehensive nanomaterial assessment.

Conclusions:

• Pumpless MPS represent a significant advancement in microphysiological systems.
• These systems are increasingly important for the toxicological assessment of nanomaterials.
• MPS are poised to play a key role in the future of nanomedicine and drug development.