Breakthrough technologies and applications in organ-on-a-chip

Organ-on-a-chip technology has rapidly gained prominence and relevance at the interface between biology and engineering due to its burgeoning potential to revolutionise biomedical research and clinical applications. These micro-engineered devices mimic the physiological functions of human organs, providing powerful microfluidic platforms for disease modelling, drug testing and therapeutics, and personalised medicine.

Submissions of interest for this Thematic Collection will significantly build upon existing models and open new avenues of research and applications by providing cutting-edge solutions to pressing problems. In recognising the multidisciplinary nature and impact of organ-on-chips, we are emphasising the collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical partners and welcome contributions that demonstrate the translation of pioneering research into practical and clinical applications for human health and disease.

Topics of next-generation interest include, but are not limited to:

• Emerging therapies beyond small drugs
• New model designs
• Digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) integration and analysis
• Advanced sensing and measurement technologies (integrated sensors, RNA Seq, proteomics, spatial omics, multi-omics, real-time measurements, etc.)
• Bioprinting techniques
• Standardisation
• Diverse cell types (cell lines, primary cells, iPSCs, ex vivo tissues)
• Multi-organ-on-chip and body-on-chip systems

This seminal collection will showcase select next-generation papers and their investigators that look towards the future - highlighting the most forward-thinking developments in the field of organ-on-a-chip technology.