Organoid-on-a-chip: Current challenges, trends, and future scope toward medicine

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Microfluidics

Background:

• In vitro organoid models are 3D multicellular aggregates used in drug screening, disease research, and precision medicine.
• Organoid-on-a-chip technology integrates organoids with microfluidics to create biomimetic physiological microenvironments.
• This technology enables precise regulation of parameters like fluid flow and biochemical gradients, mimicking in vivo conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the advantages and characteristics of organoid-on-a-chip systems.
• To discuss current challenges in organoid culture, extracellular matrix development, and device fabrication.
• To explore potential alternative approaches and future directions for organoid-on-a-chip technology.

Main Methods:

• This is a perspective review, analyzing existing literature and technologies.
• It discusses the integration of advanced microfluidics with organoid models.
• The review examines fabrication techniques for micro-nano devices and tissue construction.

Main Results:

• Organoid-on-a-chip systems offer a flexible platform to replicate in vivo organ functions.
• Key challenges include optimizing organoid culture, extracellular matrix scaffolding, and device manufacturing.
• Potential alternative methods and innovative approaches are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Engineered organ reconstruction using organoid-on-a-chip represents a new paradigm in biomedicine.
• Further innovation in micro-nano fabrication and tissue engineering is needed.
• The technology holds significant promise for future pharmaceutical development and clinical applications.