Made-in-India Organ-on-Chip Developed by IISC Researchers

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bengaluru have developed a domestic Organ-on-Chip (OoC), which was previously imported into India. This innovation allows for advanced study of fluid and drug interactions on a micro-scale.

What is Organ-on-Chip?

1. An Organ-on-Chip (OoC) is a small, bioengineered device that mimics the structure and function of human organs on a miniature scale.
2. These devices are made from flexible polymers and are designed to replicate the environment of real human tissues.
3. Various organ models, such as the lung-on-a-chip and liver-on-a-chip, have been developed to study specific organ functions.

How Does It Work?

1. The device contains tiny channels where living human cells are cultured and interact. These cells behave similarly to how they would in the human body, allowing for the simulation of real tissue environments.
2. Fluids like blood or drugs are passed through these channels to observe their effects on the cells. This setup provides valuable insights into the interactions between cells, fluids, and drugs, which can be useful for testing new medical treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.
3. This advancement in Organ-on-Chip technology represents a significant leap in India’s biomedical research capabilities, reducing reliance on imported models and offering the potential for more localized and cost-effective solutions.

 

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