In news– The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act 2.0 has recently approved computer-based and experimental alternatives to animals to test new drugs.
What is Organ on a Chip?
- An organ-on-a-chip is a multi-channel 3-D microfluidic cell culture, integrated circuit that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological response of an entire organ or an organ system.
- It is a small devices containing human cells that are used to mimic the environment in human organs, including blood flow and breathing movements, serving as synthetic environments in which to test new drugs.
- This technology allows researchers to replicate the function of tissues and organs, bridging the gap between animals and human systems.
- In drug development, it’s seen as an exciting in vitro alternative to assess not only the safety but efficacy of drugs.
- In India, a few research groups have been developing organ-on-chip models over the last few years.
- Scientists at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai have developed a skin-on-chip model. he model is currently being tested for studying skin irritation and toxicity.
- They are also developing a retina-on-chip model together. They are also separately developing a placenta-on-chip model.
Source: The Hindu
