Promises, challenges and future directions of μCCAs

Micro-cell culture analogs (mu CCAs) are a class of in vitro tissue analogs that combine multiple organ analogs on one microfluidic platform in physiologically correct volume ratios. The microfluidic platform also provides fluid flow rates and substance residence times close to those present in the human body. Several advantages arise from the microfluidic format that can be exploited for realistic simulations of drug absorption, metabolism and action. We envision that, together with theoretical modeling, mu CCAs may produce reliable predictions of the efficacy of newly developed drugs. Advantages, challenges, and future directions of mu CCAs are discussed and examples of systems are provided. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.