Research Projects

In vitro assays are limited in their predictive power due to their lack of understanding of tissue microenvironment, leading to over 90% of promising molecules failing in clinical trials. In vivo animal models are also problematic due to genetic and metabolomic differences with humans, resulting in failed predictions. The human-on-chip approach aims to fill this gap by mimicking various organs in vitro and connecting them with a common perfusion system. This requires extensive validation of individual organ-on-chip models that can precisely mimic the structural and functional features of organs in physiological and pathological conditions. The proposal proposes three different organ-on-chip models: skin-on-chip, placenta-on-chip, and brain tumor-on-chip. These models will co-culture relevant cell types, incorporate microfluidic perfusion, relevant extracellular matrix (ECM), cell-cell contact in 2D and 3D, and barrier membranes. The models will be fabricated using lithography technique for design optimizations and 3D bioprinting for specific structural details. The perfusion-based microfluidic technology offers several advantages over traditional techniques, such as lower media consumption, high surface-to-volume ratio, high gas permeability, laminar flow conditions, media perfusion, local micro-environmental control, flexibility for fabrication, real-time analysis, precise operational control, commercial manufacturability, and adaptability to high throughput and scale up. These models are crucial for pre-clinical evaluation of drug efficacy and toxicity, understanding disease pathophysiology, identifying new drug targets, and understanding toxicity or adverse effects of drugs, cosmetic molecules, and FMCG products.