Gut-on-chip and liver-on-chip platforms for pathophysiological modeling

Abstract

Organs-on-chips (OoCs) are micro-engineered systems recapitulating the microenvironment and functions of native organs, thus representing a platform for studying complex biological processes in vitro. Advances in OoC technology have transformed the landscape of disease modeling, opening new avenues for research and therapeutic development. Gut- and liver-on-chip models are particularly relevant, given the involvement of these two organs in several physiological processes. Indeed, the intricate interactions between the gastrointestinal and hepatic systems, named gut-liver axis, play a key role in metabolic processes and in the pathogenesis of several conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes the advancements in the field of gut- and liver-on-chip models over the past five years, focusing on their application in disease modeling. By highlighting recent developments and open challenges, we aim to underscore the potential of these systems in enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and improving therapeutic strategies.