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Microphysiological systems to advance human pathophysiology and translational medicine
Anicca D Harriot1,2,3, Christopher W Ward4,5, Deok-Ho Kim1,6,7,8,3,9
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|October 17, 2024
Summary
Microphysiological systems (MPS), or organ-on-a-chip models, offer advanced human physiology recapitulation. These biomimetic models improve drug screening and translational medicine by predicting efficacy and toxicity better than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microphysiological systems (MPS) integrate cell biology, tissue engineering, and microengineering.
- MPS are 3-D tissue constructs mimicking human physiology and microenvironments.
- Recent advancements focus on high-throughput, high-fidelity MPS models of major human organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current advances in MPS models.
- To discuss MPS applications in mechanistic research and drug screening.
- To highlight the relevance of MPS in translational medicine and preclinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Biofabrication of 3-D tissue constructs.
- Integration into microfluidic platforms.
- Incorporation of patient-derived cells for disease modeling.
Main Results:
- MPS more accurately model organotypic function and pathophysiology than 2-D cultures.
- MPS incorporating patient cells exhibit disease-linked genetic mutations and heterogeneity.
- Human MPS demonstrate superior prediction of drug efficacy and toxicity compared to animal models.
Conclusions:
- MPS are promising tools for improving preclinical trial efficacy and safety.
- MPS advance mechanistic research and drug screening capabilities.
- Global investments support MPS development for translational medicine.
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