Real-time sensors for live monitoring of disease and drug analysis in microfluidic model of proximal tubule

The quest to replace animal models used in drug testing owing to their lack of accuracy in reflecting human physiology, and the higher comparative cost and time involved in testing with such animal models has given rise to the organ-on-a-chip technology. Organ-on-a-chip-based microphysiological systems are flexible and can be engineered to specifically mimic desired organs and tissue types for the drug discovery and development process. Kidney-specific and non-specific drugs either directly or indirectly affect the kidneys' function by inducing kidney injury. It is quite challenging to integrate electrochemical sensors in the microphysiological systems for continuous monitoring of micro-environment metabolism. We present a theranostic proximal tubule-on-a-chip model for live monitoring of cellular growth pattern. The sensors monitored real-time changes under disease condition and drug treatment based upon cell adhesion and culture medium pH. A glass-based microfluidic chip was designed with integrated transparent electrodes for transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) monitoring. Additionally, an optical pH sensor and a microscope have been added in the platform for the real-time monitoring of the tissue. This model has the potential to study the absorption and metabolism of the drug along with the capacity to complete and optimize its toxicity assessment.