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Updated: May 5, 2026
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The Multi-organ Chip - A Microfluidic Platform for Long-term Multi-tissue Coculture
Published on: April 28, 2015
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From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems
Darwin R Reyes1, Mandy B Esch1, Lorna Ewart2
1National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA. darwin.reyes@nist.gov.
Lab on a Chip
|February 19, 2024
Summary
Organ-on-a-chip models offer advanced human physiological representation, overcoming limitations of traditional cell cultures and animal studies. A multidisciplinary framework is proposed to guide the development of standards for these innovative microfluidic systems.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Conventional cell cultures and animal models present limitations for drug development and toxicological assessment.
- Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems offer more reliable *in vivo* representations of human organs and systems.
- Significant interest exists from industry and regulatory bodies, but challenges like a lack of standards hinder OOC technology adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the need for standardized engineering concepts for organ-on-a-chip models.
- To present a framework for developing guidelines and standards for OOC technology.
- To foster discussion among stakeholders for the advancement of OOC applications.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising experts from regulatory agencies (FDA, EU), government research institutions (NIST), academia, and industry.
- Development of a comprehensive framework for engineering concepts governing organ-on-a-chip models.
- Presentation of the framework to facilitate further discussion and standardization efforts.
Main Results:
- A proposed framework for the development of guidelines and standards for organ-on-a-chip models.
- Identification of key engineering concepts crucial for OOC model development and validation.
- A collaborative output designed to guide future standardization initiatives.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework provides a foundation for establishing much-needed guidelines and standards in OOC technology.
- Standardization is critical for the widespread adoption and reliable application of organ-on-a-chip systems in pre-clinical research.
- Continued collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential to enhance the impact and benefits of OOC models.
