Advancements in Microfluidic Organ-on-a-chip for Oral Medicine
ST Fan, Yaorong Ge, Bolin Li, Pengyuan Liu, Xiaoqiu Liu
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Organ-on-a-chip (OoC), also known as microphysiological systems, is an emerging experimental technology that mimics human tissues or organs in vitro. These chips combine research methods from various fields, including the culture of pluripotent stem cells and mixed cell types, microfluidics, micro-nanofabrication, three-dimensional printing, and bioengineered tissue materials. OoC is more similar to the human body's physiological environment, offering benefits such as small size, high throughput, and precise control. METHODS: This review highlights the development of this fast-growing technology, including the materials and fabrication methods used for OoC, and its applications in both clinical and oral medicine. It also addresses the current limitations of OoC and explores its future potential. RESULTS: This technology enhances the scientific and practical value of research, driving advancements in areas such as materials science, cell biology, drug development, disease diagnosis and treatment, and personalised medicine. It has also begun to make its mark in the field of oral medicine. CONCLUSIONS: OoC can replicate multiple tissues and organs found within the oral cavity, reconstructing the unique anatomical structure and physiological functions of the oral cavity, which is beneficial for studying the impact of microenvironmental changes on organ physiological function in vitro.