Engineering Vascularized Organoid-on-a-Chip Models

TLDR

Recreating human organ‑level function in vitro combines tissue engineering, stem‑cell biology, and microfluidics to produce 3D organoids, and vascularization—essential for organ function and inter‑organ coupling—is a critical component. The paper outlines general strategies for creating vascularized organoids, reviews source materials, and surveys prior work on organ‑specific functions and tumor‑progression modeling. The authors describe methods for generating vascularized organoids, detailing common source materials and employing microfluidic platforms to model organ functions and tumor progression. They conclude that while organ‑on‑chip coupling has been demonstrated, the future lies in building organoid systems with tissue‑specific microvasculature and dynamic vascular networks that can respond to changing physiological conditions.

Abstract

Recreating human organ–level function in vitro is a rapidly evolving field that integrates tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and microfluidic technology to produce 3D organoids. A critical component of all organs is the vasculature. Herein, we discuss general strategies to create vascularized organoids, including common source materials, and survey previous work using vascularized organoids to recreate specific organ functions and simulate tumor progression. Vascularization is not only an essential component of individual organ function but also responsible for coupling the fate of all organs and their functions. While some success in coupling two or more organs together on a single platform has been demonstrated, we argue that the future of vascularized organoid technology lies in creating organoid systems complete with tissue-specific microvasculature and in coupling multiple organs through a dynamic vascular network to create systems that can respond to changing physiological conditions.