Implementing organ-on-chip in a next-generation risk assessment of chemicals: a review

Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology is full of engineering and biological challenges, but it has the potential to revolutionize the Next-Generation Risk Assessment of novel ingredients for consumer products and chemicals. A successful incorporation of OoC technology into the Next-Generation Risk Assessment toolbox depends on the robustness of the microfluidic devices and the organ tissue models used. Recent advances in standardized device manufacturing, organ tissue cultivation and growth protocols offer the ability to bridge the gaps towards the implementation of organ-on-chip technology. Next-Generation Risk Assessment is an exposure-led and hypothesis-driven tiered approach to risk assessment using detailed human exposure information and the application of appropriate new (non-animal) toxicological testing approaches. Organ-on-chip presents a promising in vitro approach by combining human cell culturing with dynamic microfluidics to improve physiological emulation. Here, we critically review commercial organ-on-chip devices, as well as recent tissue culture model studies of the skin, intestinal barrier and liver as the main metabolic organ to be used on-chip for Next-Generation Risk Assessment. Finally, microfluidically linked tissue combinations such as skin-liver and intestine-liver in organ-on-chip devices are reviewed as they form a relevant aspect for advancing toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic studies. We point to recent achievements and challenges to overcome, to advance non-animal, human-relevant safety studies.

Automated summary

Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology has the potential to revolutionize the Next-Generation Risk Assessment of consumer products and chemicals by combining human cell culturing and dynamic microfluidics. The success of this technology depends on robust microfluidic devices and organ tissue models. Recent advancements in manufacturing and tissue cultivation protocols have bridged the gaps towards implementing OoC technology. Next-Generation Risk Assessment is an exposure-led and hypothesis-driven approach that utilizes human exposure information and non-animal toxicological testing. This review critically examines commercial OoC devices and recent studies on tissue culture models for Next-Generation Risk Assessment.