Advancing 3D Cell Culture Models For Clinical Relevance

Biological research has long relied on in vitro experiments using cells grown in a dish, but there are concerns about the clinical relevance of these models. Animal studies are often used to validate findings, but ethical concerns and limited applicability to humans are drawbacks. Biopharmaceutical companies are seeking alternatives, and advancements in cell culture technology offer more refined models. Pluripotent stem cells, spheroid culture technology, and organoid structures are being used to create more accurate models. However, these models require specialized culture media and manual cell passaging, posing contamination risks.

Emulate, a company specializing in Organ-Chips, offers microphysiological systems (MPS) that mimic human organs. Organ-Chips use microfluidics to recreate mechanical cues and tissue-tissue interfaces, allowing for the creation of complex models. Unlike animal studies, Organ-Chips can be probed with various analytical techniques and provide real-time readouts of tissue function. Emulate's Organ-Chips have been used in COVID-19 research and are considered a more precise and controlled method for studying human responses to medicines, chemicals, and foods compared to traditional methods.

While concerns about the clinical relevance of in vitro experiments and the limitations of animal studies have led to advancements in cell culture technology, Emulate's Organ-Chips offer a more refined and controlled approach to studying human physiology and pathophysiology.

Learn more about how these microphysiological systems can provide a more accurate representation of human organs and can be customized for different cell types and soluble factors by accessing the full article below.