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Cells are the smallest and basic units of life, whether it is a single cell that forms the entire organism, e.g., in a bacterium or trillions of them, e.g., in humans. No matter what organism a cell is a part of, they share specific characteristics.Basic Characteristics of CellsA living cell has a plasma membrane, a bilayer of lipids that separates the aqueous solution inside the cell called the cytoplasm from the outside environment.Furthermore, a living cell possesses genetic information...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality

Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality

Published on: May 5, 2022

Bioengineered human colon organoids with in vivo-like cellular complexity and function.

Olga Mitrofanova¹, Mikhail Nikolaev¹, Quan Xu¹

¹Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel 4052, Switzerland.

|June 14, 2024

Summary

Researchers developed "mini-colons," advanced human organoid models that better mimic the gut. These models show improved tissue longevity and cell diversity, offering a more accurate in vitro system for studying gut physiology and disease.

Keywords:

bioengineering colon colonocyte gastrointestinal drug toxicity gut physiology mucus organ-on-chip organoid small intestine

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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Published on: May 5, 2022

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Author Spotlight: Generation and Manipulation of Rat Intestinal Organoids

Author Spotlight: Generation and Manipulation of Rat Intestinal Organoids

Published on: June 23, 2023

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Gastroenterology
Tissue Engineering

Background:

Organoids and organs-on-a-chip are valuable in vitro models for human gut physiology.
Current models often lack the complexity and maturity of in vivo intestinal mucosa.
There is a need for advanced models that more closely replicate native tissue characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop an advanced human organoid model that overcomes limitations of existing systems.
To create a model closely resembling in vivo human intestinal tissue.
To establish a reliable preclinical platform for drug safety assessment.

Main Methods:

Integration of organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies to create "mini-colons."
Asymmetric growth factor stimulation to enhance tissue longevity and cell diversity.
Single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze cell types and maturation.

Main Results:

Mini-colons exhibit enhanced tissue longevity and in vivo-like cell type diversity and patterning.
Abundant mucus-producing goblet cells and mature, functional colonocytes were observed.
The methodology was extended to small intestine microtissues with additional microenvironmental components.

Conclusions:

Bioengineered mini-colons provide a precise platform for studying human gut physiology and pathology.
These advanced organoids serve as a reliable preclinical model for drug safety evaluation.
The developed technology advances in vitro modeling of the human gastrointestinal tract.