The miniaturized models can not only be used for toxicity tests during the development of drugs and chemicals but also for investigations of organ diseases.

The compact multi-organ-chip (size comparison one-euro coin) and its three separate micro-circuits can be used to investigate the regeneration of certain renal cell types. Photo: Fraunhofer IWS.


"Today we know that certain kidney cells - called endothelial cells - play a key role in almost all kidney diseases. Previously the use of in vitro tests were problematic because endothelial cells work only by maintaining a flow. To solve this problem our multi-organ chip could provide a test environment with which we can observe how cells regenerate after injury, "said Dr. Frank Sonntag from the Fraunhofer IWS in a current press release.

The endothelial cells are set into the chamber of the microchip, supplied with all the essential nutrients by the microfluidic system which mimicking a tiny bloodstream in motion. The technical expertise of the Fraunhofer IWS ensures that exactly the required pressure and flow rate in such a small system is guaranteed.

Additional Information:
http://www.fraunhofer.de/de/presse/presseinformationen/2015/Februar/kuenstlicher-mini-organismus-statt-tierversuche.html