Organ-on-a-chip technology has emerged as a new laboratory setup that scientists are using to test new drugs instead of animals.
What exactly is Organ-on-a-Chip?
- A microfluidic device that aims to mimic the structure and function of specific human organs or tissues in vitro is known as an organ-on-a-chip.
- It is a small, transparent chip that contains tiny channels lined with living cells and is made of biocompatible materials such as silicon, glass, or polymers.
- The living cells are derived from human tissues and can be cultured to mimic the microenvironment of the organ being modelled.
How does Organ-on-a-Chip function?
- Simulation of microfluidic channels: Each organ-on-a-chip contains a complex network of microfluidic channels and chambers that can simulate a specific organ’s mechanical and chemical environment.
- Microfluidic channels can simulate the flow of blood and air, while living cells provide a realistic environment for drug testing and disease modelling.
Potential Organ-on-a-Chip Applications
- The technology of organs-on-a-chip has numerous potential applications, including drug development, disease modelling, and toxicity testing.
- Researchers can study how human organs interact with drugs and other compounds by replicating their structure and function.
- This could pave the way for more effective and personalised treatments for a wide range of diseases.
- Furthermore, organ-on-a-chip technology offers a more ethical and effective method of testing drugs and other compounds, reducing the need for animal testing.
Organ-on-a-Chip Examples
- There have been several examples of organ-on-a-chip technology developed, including-
- The air-blood interface in the lungs is mimicked by the lung-on-a-chip.
- The mechanical and electrical properties of the heart are emulated by a heart-on-a-chip.
- The metabolic activity of the liver is replicated by the liver-on-a-chip.
- The blood-brain barrier and neural activity in the brain are modelled on a chip.
Prospects for the Future
- Organ-on-a-chip technology is a promising and rapidly developing field with numerous advantages over traditional drug development and testing methods.
- It offers a more ethical and effective method of testing drugs and other compounds, reducing the need for animal testing.
- Furthermore, it has the potential to transform the field of drug development by allowing for more personalised and effective treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/organ-on-a-chip-the-new-lab-setup-scientists-are-using-instead-of-animals-to-test-new-drugs/article66556008.ece