Biological Barrier Models-on-Chip: An Innovative Tool for Studying Diseases and Discovering New Drug Therapies

The exploration of alternatives to the use of animal models and cell cultures has culminated in the creation of organ-on-a-chip systems in which organs in physio-pathological conditions and their reactions to the presence of external stimuli are simulated. In addition, they support the recreation of tissue interfaces such as tissue-air, tissue-liquid and tissue-tissue, which are very similar to those present in vivo, even through the presence of biomechanical stimuli. In this way they are best suited to mimic biological barriers, such as the skin, placenta, blood-brain barrier and others, which are characterized by tissue interface and their functioning is important to ensure the homeostasis of the organism. This review shows the different biological membranes that we can simulate within an organ-on-chip, also using induced pluripotent stem cells to act in the direction of personalized medicine. Different methods that can be used to detect barrier formation, including the integration of electrodes for real-time monitoring, are also explained, highlighting advantages and challenges.