Microfluidic cell culture models for tissue engineering

Microfluidic systems have emerged as revolutionary new platform technologies for a range of applications, from consumer products such as inkjet printer cartridges to lab-on-a-chip diagnostic systems. Recent developments have opened the door to a new set of opportunities for microfluidic systems, in the field of tissue and organ engineering. Advances in the design of physiologically relevant structures and networks, fabrication processes for biomaterials suitable for in vivo use, and techniques for scaling towards large, three-dimensional constructs, are converging towards therapeutic applications of microfluidic technologies in engineering complex tissues and organs. These advances herald a new generation of microfluidics-based approaches designed for specific tissue and organ applications, incorporating microvascular networks, structures for transport and filtration, and a three-dimensional microenvironment suitable for supporting phenotypic cell behavior, tissue function, and implantation and host integration.

► Microfluidic cell culture systems are emerging for in vitro and in vivo applications. ► Microfluidic systems enable dynamic control over the cell microenvironment. ► Disease models, drug discovery and safety testing represent in vitro applications. ► In vivo applications include lung, liver, kidney, cardiac and other organ systems. ► A future goal of microfluidics-based cell culture systems is organ replacement.