The emergence of 3D bioprinting in organ-on-chip systems

Abstract

Understanding complex cell–cell interactions and physiological microenvironments is critical for the development of new therapies for treating human diseases. Current animal models fail to accurately predict success of therapeutic compounds and clinical treatments. Advances in biomaterials, engineering, and additive manufacturing have led to the development of printed tissues, lab-on-chip devices, and, more recently, organ-on-chip systems. These technologies have promising applications for the fabrication of more physiologically representative human tissues and can be used for high-throughput testing of human cells and organoids. These organ-on-chip systems can be fabricated with integrated fluidics to allow for the precise control and manipulation of cellular microenvironments with multiple cell types. Further control over these cellular environments can be achieved with bioprinting, allowing for three-dimensional (3D) printing of multiple materials and cell types to provide precisely controlled structures manufactured in a one-step process. As cell behavior is highly dependent on the physical and chemical properties of the environment, the behavior of cells in two-dimensional and 3D culture systems varies drastically. Providing devices that can support long-term cell culture and controlled stimulation of 3D culture systems will have a profound impact on the study of physiological processes and disease, as well as the development of new therapies. This review highlights recent advances in organ-on-chip systems and 3D bioprinting techniques for the development of in vitro physiological models.