Organ-on-Chip Technology
Organ-on-chip technology replicates the structure and function of human organs on miniaturized biochips. These advanced in vitro models simulate key physiological responses and tissue interactions, enabling human-relevant data generation for preclinical drug development and biomedical research.
Unlike standard 2D cell culture or animal models, organ-on-chip systems capture the complexity of human biology including perfusion, immune response, and microbiome interactions, offering a new level of predictive power for human applications.
How does organ-on-chip work?
At the heart of organ-on-chip technology are microengineered biochips with defined channel geometries, biocompatible membranes, and dedicated culture chambers. Human cells are introduced and arranged in tissue-like configurations, supported by constant nutrient flow and in vivo-like perfusion patterns.
These platforms create dynamic cell environments, enabling tissue–tissue interfaces, mechanical stimulation, and immune-competent multicellular systems. As a result, organ-on-chip devices facilitate cellular communication and transport processes that mirror human biology more accurately than conventional methods and make them a powerful animal testing substitute.
Which physiological conditions and stimuli can be simulated?
Perfusion – blood flow
Different flow patterns can be achieved through the perfusion of the tissues via microfluidic pumps: pulsatile and laminar – such as in the healthy human body. The perfusion provides a crucial mechanical stimulation on the surface of human cells, especially cells from the human blood vessel system (vasculature). These shear forces influence and stimulate receptor decoration on the cell surfaces and have consequently a profound impact on cellular behavior such as growth, signaling/interaction and metabolism.
single channel perfusion
multiple channel perfusion
Biomechanical stimulation – strain & stretch
Our human body is in motion all the time and so is every tissue, most prominently blood vessels, muscles, the lung and the intestine. With Organ-on-Chip technology it is possible to apply stretch and strain onto the cells which in turn influences cellular behavior. This can be achieved via the application of flow or a direct mechanical manipulation of the tissue by deformation of biochip components.
Our human cells sense these forces via the mechanostimulatory complex – a crucial cellular sensing complex influencing various signaling pathways. This important “cellular tool” that switches on human biology is entirely neglected in standard in vitro approaches including in vitro testing.
Multicellular organ models with customizable complexity
Organ-on-Chip technology provides tremendous flexibility and potential for adaptations tailored specifically to the scope and needs of a scientific study.
Models can be scaled up from one to multiple cell types included in microphysiological settings. Increasing complexity provides maximum control of experimental design and settings. Additionally, single cell types can be easily excluded to assess their impact within the scope of your research study.
coculture 2 cell types
coculture n cell types
Molecular gradients
Molecular patterns shape biological changes and responses within our human body. The Organ-on-Chip technology enables easy application of molecular gradients. Controlled microfluidic perfusion patterns can modulate lateral distribution, especially in vascular tissues. Complex layering of cells, formation of tissue-tissue interfaces and biochip geometry can provide means to govern gradients throughout tissues.
gradient left-right
gradient bottom-top
Inclusion of the microbiome and pathogens
Microbiome
Complex organ models allow for the integration of a microbiome or pathogens to enable the establishment of disease and infection models close to the situation in vivo.
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Integration of immune component
The immune system is a critical component of the human body, playing a vital role in protecting against infections, eliminating diseased cells, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Via integration of resident and circulating immune cells, organ models can replicate the cellular complexity of the human immune system.
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Dynamic42 Organ-on-Chip models
We offer services around our different Organ-on-Chip models:
Benefits of Organ-on-Chip technology
Increasing Biological Relevance
3D architecture, immune-competent co-culture systems, and biomechanical cues such as flow and stretch enable more physiologically accurate in vitro models—leading to better data quality and responsiveness.
Improved Predictive Power
By working with fully human, biologically relevant models, researchers gain better tools for early-stage drug safety assessment, reducing the risks associated with animal-to-human extrapolation.
Powerful Animal Testing Substitute
Organ-on-chip systems represent one of the most promising animal testing substitutes, offering an ethical, reproducible, and scalable alternative for preclinical research.
High Flexibility and Integration
The platform allows for modular combinations with sensors, imaging systems, and analytical technologies. It supports diverse biological questions, from mechanistic studies to drug screening in personalized formats.
Who Should Use Organ-on-Chip Models?
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- Organ-on-chip technology is designed for researchers and organizations working in translational and preclinical science.
- Biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries evaluating new molecules, nanomaterials, or biologics
- Academic labs exploring molecular mechanisms in human-relevant in vitro systems
- Scientists aiming to reduce reliance on animal models while increasing data quality and relevance
Looking for in vitro models that deliver human-relevant data and reduce animal testing? Discover the power of organ-on-chip technology.
Interested in a 3R and organ-on-chip training course?
We offer an objective and scientific introduction to organ-on-chip technology for animal facilities and other institutions as part of a free, remote 3R education. The presentation will include different approaches, manufacturers, strengths, challenges and a Q&A session.
Let us know if you would like to bring this course to your institution.
Book your 3R training course
Image: One of our trainers, Dr. Thomas Sommermann (Head of Cancer) with feedback provided to him by a lecture attendee.