Microphysiological Constructs and Systems: Biofabrication Tactics, Biomimetic Evaluation Approaches, and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

In recent decades, microphysiological constructs and systems (MPCs and MPSs) have undergone significant development, ranging from self‐organized organoids to high‐throughput organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms. Advances in biomaterials, bioinks, 3D bioprinting, micro/nanofabrication, and sensor technologies have contributed to diverse and innovative biofabrication tactics. MPCs and MPSs, particularly tissue chips relevant to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, have demonstrated potential as precise, efficient, and economical alternatives to animal models for drug discovery and personalized medicine. However, current approaches mainly focus on the in vitro recapitulation of the human anatomical structure and physiological‐biochemical indices at a single or a few simple levels. This review highlights the recent remarkable progress in MPC and MPS models and their applications. The challenges that must be addressed to assess the reliability, quantify the techniques, and utilize the fidelity of the models are also discussed.

High-precision 3D printing of multi-branch vascular scaffold with plasticized PLCL thermoplastic elastomer

“…Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary research field that aims to integrate manufacturing science and life science technology, construct tissue scaffolds with certain structural and functional properties in vitro, and accurately repair damaged areas through surgical transplantation [1,2]. The development of threedimensional (3D) printing technology has made it possible to construct complex organ-like structures and vascular network structures [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Printing in a suspension bath can overcome the gravity effect of low-viscosity elastomers, effectively fix the position of the printing material, and construct a high-precision heart structure [12,13].…”

Reducing Inert Materials for Optimal Cell–Cell and Cell–Matrix Interactions within Microphysiological Systems

“…Among them, microphysiological systems (MPS) stand out as a promising alternative, mainly because they offer the possibility to perform large numbers of reproducible experiments with small amounts of reagents. This, in turn, is due to their low fabrication costs and their micrometric dimensions [1][2][3][4]. As this technology advances, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) approaches are rapidly emerging.…”