Engineering of tissue in microphysiological systems demonstrated by modelling skeletal muscle

Research on myogenesis and myogenic pathologies has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, traditional in vitro modeling approaches have struggled to fully replicate the complex functions of skeletal muscle. This limitation is primarily due to the insufficient reconstruction of the muscle tissue microenvironment and the role of physical cues in regulating muscle cell activity. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the microenvironment, which includes cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytokines, in influencing myogenesis, regeneration and inflammation. This review focuses on advances in skeletal muscle construction toward a complete microphysiological system, such as organoids and muscle-on-a-chip technology, as well as innovative interventions like bioprinting and electrical stimulation. These advancements have enabled researchers to restore functional skeletal muscle tissue, bringing us closer to achieving a fully functional microphysiological system. Compared to traditional models, these systems allow for the collection of more comprehensive data, providing insights across multiple scales. Researchers can now study skeletal muscle and disease models in vitro with increased precision, enabling more advanced research into the physiological and biochemical cues affecting skeletal muscle activity. With these advancements, new applications are emerging, including drug screening, disease modeling and the development of artificial tissues. Progression in this field holds great promise for advancing our understanding of skeletal muscle function and its associated pathologies, offering potential therapeutic solutions for a variety of muscle-related diseases.