Fluid flow to mimic organ function in 3D in vitro models

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering
• Physiology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• In vitro models are essential for studying organ physiology, tissue function, and disease.
• Existing models often lack the physiological fluid dynamics found in vivo.
• Fluid flow is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis in various biological structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of fluid flow for tissue homeostasis in vitro.
• To emphasize the need for perfusion in current 3D in vitro models.
• To discuss current experimental fluid-flow setups, their advantages, and limitations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro modeling strategies.
• Analysis of fluid dynamics in physiological systems.
• Discussion of perfusion techniques in 3D cell culture.
• Evaluation of organoids and organs-on-a-chip platforms.

Main Results:

• Fluid flow is vital for tissue homeostasis in vessels, lumen structures, and the interstitium.
• Current 3D in vitro models often fail to incorporate physiological fluid dynamics.
• Various experimental fluid-flow setups have distinct advantages and limitations.

Conclusions:

• Perfusion is necessary to improve the physiological relevance of current 3D in vitro models.
• Organoids and organs-on-a-chip represent advanced platforms for in vitro modeling with fluid flow.
• Future research should focus on integrating sophisticated fluid flow models into bioengineered platforms.