Organomimetic Microsystems Technologies

Microscale engineering technologies derived from the semiconductor and microelectronics industries provide new opportunities in biology to create and precisely control three-dimensional cell culture microenvironments in a physiologically relevant and organ-specific context. Here we review recent advances in the development of 'Organs-on-Chips' in which microsystems technologies have been applied to develop cell culture systems that recapitulate the structural, biochemical, and mechanical characteristics of living organs in order to mimic their complex physiology in vitro. We highlight these new capabilities and advantages enabled by microengineered tissue and organ mimics to show their potential as robust alternatives to conventional two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems, as well as a potential replacement for animal models. We also discuss how this biomimetic microengineering approach is beginning to meet challenges in drug development and environmental testing.