Microfluidic on-chip biomimicry for 3D cell culture: A fit-for-purpose investigation from the end user standpoint

Abstract

A plethora of 3D and microfluidics-based culture models have been demonstrated in the recent years with the ultimate aim to facilitate predictive in vitro models for pharmaceutical development. This article summarizes to date the progress in the microfluidics-based tissue culture models, including organ-on-a-chip and vasculature-on-a-chip. Specific focus is placed on addressing the question of what kinds of 3D culture and system complexities are deemed desirable by the biological and biomedical community. This question is addressed through analysis of a research survey to evaluate the potential use of microfluidic cell culture models among the end users. Our results showed a willingness to adopt 3D culture technology among biomedical researchers, although a significant gap still exists between the desired systems and existing 3D culture options. With these results, key challenges and future directions are highlighted. This article summarizes the progress in the development of microfluidics-based 3D cell/tissue culture models to date, including organ-on-a-chip and vasculature-on-a-chip capable of mimicking in vivo tissue architecture. Specific focus is placed on addressing the question of what kinds of 3D culture and system complexities are deemed desirable by the biomedical community. A research survey targeting biomedical researchers was designed to evaluate the potential application of microfluidics-based 3D culture systems and a positive attitude was recorded among its participants.