Complex in vitro models are needed to recapitulate higher-level anatomical and physiological or pathological aspects of human biology. Organoid and Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) technology is quickly advancing as a platform for such complex in vitro models. Both technologies represent aspects of human organs and tissues with the promise to reproduce human physiology in a way that resembles the human situation good enough for predictive testing of interventions. This is key for preclinical testing of novel drugs and for personalization of drug testing. Clear evidence shows that Organoid and OoC are key technologies of the 21st century that are on the verge of widespread impact on academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Organoid and OoC technology can also contribute to reducing animal testing.
In the Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence we pursue three strategies: i) We develop a scalable organ-on-chip platform with a focus on liver, bile duct, pancreas, heart and cancer; ii) we develop a platform that models tissue homeostasis and aging in the frame of a Wellcome Leap consortium, iii) we work towards using stem cell derived islet organoids as a first wave of translating organoid technology into exploratory patient treatment protocols, and iv) we advance bio-engineering of 3D organ representations using gastruloid technology in the frame of an European Innovation Council consortium. To achieve this the Centre combines research in stem cell technology, organoid development, microfluidics, advanced imaging technologies, analytical technologies, bioinformatics and ethics.
Releasing the complexity of biological interactions or organs from the constraints of an animal or human body will enable a plethora of analytical possibilities. An emerging platform that has the potential to achieve this is organ on a chip technology. This technology organizes functional organ units on a microfluidic platform allowing both real time manipulations and functional readouts. Organ on a chip technology is in its infancy, but is predicted to have a game changing impact on drug development and validation, nano-device development, as well as personalization of therapeutic reagents.
Organ on a chip development requires flexible integration of complex and rapidly emerging technologies. It also requires extremely careful quality control to obtain truly predictive data. Our goal is (i) to develop platform technologies that allow the integration of organoid development, nano-sensors, and imaging tools on a microfluidic platform, (ii) to develop a personalized chip containing core metabolism regulating organoids (iii) to interrogate the chip with novel experimental pathway modulators. For this purpose we have assembled world-class academic leaders in nano-sensor technology, nano-materials, microfluidics, hiPS cell technology developmental biology, chemical biology, and bioinformatics.