Degenerative disease-on-a-chip: Developing microfluidic models for rapid availability of newer therapies.

BACKGROUND

Understanding the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases pertaining to nervous system, ocular region, bone/cartilage, and muscle are still being comprehended, thus delaying the availability of targeted therapies.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Newer micro-physiological systems (organ-on-chip technology) involves development of more sophisticated devices, modelling a range of in vitro human tissues and an array of models for diseased conditions. These models expand opportunities for high throughput screening (HTS) of drugs and are likely to be rapid and cost-effective, thus reducing extensive usage of animal models.

CONCLUSION

Through this review article, we aim to present an overview of the degenerative disease models that are presently being developed using microfluidic platforms with the aim of mimicking in vivo tissue physiology and micro-architecture. The manuscript provides an overview of the degenerative disease models and their potential for testing and screening of possible biotherapeutic molecules and drugs. It highlights the perspective of the regulatory bodies with respect to the established-on chip models and thereby enhancing its translational potential.