Engineering Organ-on-a-Chip to Accelerate Translational Research

We guide the use of organ-on-chip technology in tissue engineering applications. Organ-on-chip technology is a form of microengineered cell culture platform that elaborates the in-vivo like organ or tissue microenvironments. The organ-on-chip platform consists of microfluidic channels, cell culture chambers, and stimulus sources that emulate the in-vivo microenvironment. These platforms are typically engraved into an oxygen-permeable transparent material. Fabrication of these materials requires the use of microfabrication strategies, including soft lithography, 3D printing, and injection molding. Here we provide an overview of what is an organ-on-chip platform, where it can be used, what it is composed of, how it can be fabricated, and how it can be operated. In connection with this topic, we also introduce an overview of the recent applications, where different organs are modeled on the microscale using this technology.

Automated summary

This article provides guidance on the use of organ-on-chip technology in tissue engineering applications. Organ-on-chip technology is a microengineered cell culture platform that replicates in-vivo organ or tissue microenvironments. The platform consists of microfluidic channels, cell culture chambers, and stimulus sources that mimic the in-vivo microenvironment. The fabrication of these platforms involves the use of microfabrication strategies such as soft lithography, 3D printing, and injection molding. The article gives an overview of what organ-on-chip platforms are, their applications, composition, fabrication methods, and operation. It also introduces recent applications where different organs are modeled on a microscale using this technology.