Creating Tiny Human “Organs” to Test medicines… and More!

Abstract

Scientists have developed tiny cell models called microphysiological systems (MPSs) that mimic human organs, allowing medicines to be tested without using animals. MPS contain human cells carefully arranged to simulate a real organ’s structure and function. One type of MPS, called an organ-on-chip, also pumps fluids containing nutrients and oxygen through the model, similar to the function of blood flow in our bodies. These MPSs can test how medicines affect human cells and help scientists develop safer, more effective treatments for diseases. MPSs can also be personalized using a patient’s own cells, to find the best treatment for each person. While challenges remain, like cost and reliability, MPSs are steadily improving. Beyond testing medicines, they can be used to study dangerous environmental chemicals and to model diseases. We can even connect multiple “organs” to simulate the whole body. As these revolutionary technologies improve and become widely accepted, they could speed up drug development and reduce animal testing.