Title: Microfluidic technology based body-on-a-chip for drug discovery and microfluidic-mediated nano-drug delivery systems
Abstract:
Animal testing has become essential for preclinical screening in the drug discovery process, but there are still several problems, including ethical concerns and species disparities. The use of grown cells for testing drugs' effects and cytotoxicity has become commonplace as an alternative to examining animals. However, estimating pharmacokinetics becomes challenging because multiorgan effects cannot be assessed using typical cell-based test methods. One of the major challenges in the field is to use a microfluidic network based on recently developed MicroTAS (Micro Total Analysis Systems) technology for small-scale tissue connections to imitate the organ-to-organ network found in a person's body to predict pharmacokinetics. Therefore, as a unique in vitro organ model, organ-on-a-chip (Oocs) technologies, which are based on microfluidic devices constructed via microfabrication, have been extensively researched recently. Ooc technologies can be used to replicate organ interactions and maintain cellular function and morphology since microfluidic device technology can physically and chemically simulate the in vitro environment. Thus far, in vitro models have been used to replicate the activities of several different organs and tissues, including the kidney, liver, stomach, and lung. Moreover, a body-on-a-chip was additionally recommended for predicting the outcome of organ interactions, combining multi-organ functions on a microfluidic device. Here, we give an overview of the history of microfluidic systems, organ-on-a-chip, body-on-a-chip, and the future issues facing these technologies
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Gaining knowledge of organ-on-a-chip, body-on-a-chip, and microfluidic systems advances drug research, minimises animal testing, and allows personalised medicine, resulting in safer therapies and bettering biological education
- With the help of this information, experts in pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, and medication development can improve the precision of drug predictions, expedite procedures, and lessen the need for animal testing. They may stay up to date with developments in the sector and expedite the creation of safer and more effective treatments by putting these technologies into practice. Furthermore, gaining a grasp of these advances can lead to new opportunities for industry collaboration, research, and professional advancement
- Yes, microfluidic systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies simplify medication development and reduce ethical issues while delivering accurate alternatives to animal testing. This makes the designer's job easier
- Indeed, these technologies can increase a design's correctness by giving more accurate information on the toxicity and behaviour of the medicine. They also provide fresh insights into medication reactions and interactions with various organs, which helps to resolve design issues pertaining to drug safety and efficacy
- The use of microfluidic systems, organ-on-a-chip, and body-on-a-chip technologies in drug development and biomedical research has several advantages. They minimise ethical problems and save expenses by streamlining the medication development process by removing the need for animal experimentation. Drug discovery and development can be carried out more effectively thanks to these technologies, which also allow for real-time monitoring of cell behaviour, high-throughput drug screening, and personalised disease modelling. They may also lessen the negative effects of drug research on the environment and offer easily accessible venues for interdisciplinary cooperation and instruction. All things considered, organ-on-a-chip and microfluidic systems are noteworthy developments with potential to enhance medication safety, efficacy, and regulatory approval procedures
