Developing an Endometrium-on-a-Chip Model to Explore Biological Mechanisms in the Peri-implantation Period of Pregnancy.

Abstract

The peri-implantation period of pregnancy in mammals is a critical stage for successful embryo implantation and offspring health. Significant molecular and biophysical interactions occur between the mother (uterine endometrium) and the embryo during this time. However, the underlying biological mechanisms contributing to pregnancy success, loss, or repercussions for offspring health remain unclear. Organ-ona-chip technology facilitates in vitro models of physiological cell and tissue environments in 3D, accurately replicating the behaviour of cells and tissues with appropriate flow conditions as observed in vivo. This study presents microfluidic devices designed to create an endometrium-on-a-chip to investigate mechanisms involved in successful pregnancy during the peri-implantation period. We assessed the channels' appropriate flow rate conditions, the devices' suitability for cell culture, and a suitable culture medium to maintain different endometrial cell types together in the devices. An in vivo culture model that recapitulates the complexities of the endometrial tissue will support effective studies and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning endometrial function in the peri-implantation period.Clinical Relevance- This allows for an in vitro culture model that mimics the biology of the endometrium, enabling high-throughput testing of mechanisms to deepen our understanding of reproductive biology.