Beyond traditional models: microfluidic technologies for engineering the human placenta in vitro.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Toxicology

Background:

• The human placenta is crucial for fetal development but challenging to study in vitro.
• Traditional models like cell cultures and animal studies have limitations in replicating placental complexity.
• Microfluidic technologies offer advanced solutions for in vitro placental modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and critically examine current placental models, focusing on microfluidic systems.
• To highlight the advantages of placenta-on-chip platforms over traditional models.
• To discuss the translational potential of microfluidic models for drug safety and pregnancy research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on placental models, including traditional in vitro and in vivo methods.
• Analysis of microfluidic placenta-on-chip technologies and their capabilities.
• Comparison of microfluidic models with conventional approaches for placental research.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic placenta-on-chip models provide a more physiologically relevant platform for studying placental functions.
• These systems enable better assessment of placental barrier function, transport, and responses to stimuli.
• Placenta-on-chip platforms show promise in developmental biology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology studies.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic placental models are essential tools for mechanistic studies and preclinical testing.
• Further standardization and incorporation of immune components are needed for improved clinical relevance.
• These advanced models bridge the gap between in vitro systems and human physiology, crucial for maternal-fetal health.