| dc.description.abstract | Research on alternatives to the use of animal models and cell cultures has led to the creation of organ-ona-chip systems, in which organs and their physiological reactions to the presence of external stimuli are
simulated. These systems could even replace the use of human beings as subjects for the study of drugs in
clinical phases and have an impact on personalized therapies. Organ-on-a-chip technology present higher
potential than traditional cell cultures for an appropriate prediction of functional impairments, appearance
of adverse effects, the pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile and the efficacy of a drug. This potential is
given by the possibility of placing different cell lines in a three-dimensional-arranged polymer piece and
simulating and controlling specific conditions. Thus, the normal functioning of an organ, tissue, barrier, or
physiological phenomenon can be simulated, as well as the interrelation between different systems.
Furthermore, this alternative allows the study of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Its design
combines different disciplines such as materials engineering, cell cultures, microfluidics and physiology,
among others. This work presents the main considerations of OoC systems, the materials, methods and
cell lines used for their design, and the conditions required for their proper functioning. Examples of
applications and main challenges for the development of more robust systems are shown. This nonsystematic review is intended to be a reference framework that facilitates research focused on the
development of new OoC systems, as well as their use as alternatives in pharmacological, pharmacokinetic
and toxicological studies. | es_ES |
