Engineering the human placenta: Advances in modeling placental function

The placenta is a highly specialized organ that mediates nutrient exchange, hormone production, and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Its dynamic architecture and function throughout gestation present significant challenges in studying placental biology and associated obstetric complications. Emerging developments in bioengineering offer innovative approaches to create physiologically relevant placental models that overcome the constraints of traditional in vitro and in vivo systems. This review highlights progress in microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip systems, spheroid and organoid models, bioengineered scaffolds, and in silico systems. We discuss how these platforms enable the investigation of trophoblast behavior and transport mechanisms and can even mimic the maternal-fetal barrier. By integrating principles of tissue engineering and materials science, advanced in vitro models hold immense promise for advancing our understanding of placental physiology, ultimately informing therapeutic strategies in maternal-fetal medicine.