2015 April ; 14(4): 248–260 | Eric W. Esch, Anthony Bahinski, Dongeun Huh
The article discusses the advancements and potential applications of organs-on-chips in drug discovery. Organs-on-chips are microengineered models that mimic the structure, microenvironment, and physiological functions of human organs, offering a more accurate and predictive platform for preclinical drug testing compared to traditional 2D cell culture models. These models can simulate complex biological processes, such as drug efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics, with greater precision and realism. The authors highlight several key areas where organs-on-chips are being applied, including target identification and validation, drug screening, and phenotypic screening. They also discuss the challenges and limitations of the technology, such as the need for better materials, more reliable cell sources, and improved detection sensitivity. The article concludes by exploring the broader implications of organs-on-chips in rare diseases, stratified medicine, and nanomedicine, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize drug development and improve patient outcomes.The article discusses the advancements and potential applications of organs-on-chips in drug discovery. Organs-on-chips are microengineered models that mimic the structure, microenvironment, and physiological functions of human organs, offering a more accurate and predictive platform for preclinical drug testing compared to traditional 2D cell culture models. These models can simulate complex biological processes, such as drug efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics, with greater precision and realism. The authors highlight several key areas where organs-on-chips are being applied, including target identification and validation, drug screening, and phenotypic screening. They also discuss the challenges and limitations of the technology, such as the need for better materials, more reliable cell sources, and improved detection sensitivity. The article concludes by exploring the broader implications of organs-on-chips in rare diseases, stratified medicine, and nanomedicine, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize drug development and improve patient outcomes.