Revolutionizing Biomedical Research: Unveiling the Power of Microphysiological Systems with Advanced Assays, Integrated Sensor Technologies, and Real-Time Monitoring

Abstract

The limitation of animal models to imitate a therapeutic response in humans is a key problem that challenges their use in fundamental research. Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices, also called microphysiological systems (MPS), are devices containing a lining of living cells grown under dynamic flow to recapitulate the important features of human physiology and pathophysiology with high precision. Recent advances in microfabrication and tissue engineering techniques have led to the wide adoption of OOC in next-generation experimental platforms. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the OOC systems, categorizing them by flow types (single-pass and multipass), operational mechanisms (pumpless and pump-driven), and configurations (single-organ and multiorgan systems), along with their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it explores the integration of qualitative and quantitative assay techniques, providing a comparative evaluation of systems with and without sensor integration. This review aims to fill essential knowledge gaps, driving the progress of the development of OOC systems and paving the way for breakthroughs in biomedical research, pharmaceutical innovation, and tissue engineering.