Abstract
Drug discovery and testing is a lengthy process that is essential before
human clinical trials. Animal models are vital in preclinical drug
assessment, yet ethical concerns and species variations persist.
Although cell-based models are used, they struggle to precisely predict
drug efficacy, toxicity, and organ interactions due to cultured cells’
inability to maintain original functions and structures in typical in
vitro systems. To overcome these limitations, the emerging technology of
organ-on-a-chip is being developed as an alternative to traditional
preclinical drug testing models. The implementation of organ-on-a-chip
technology holds great potential in significantly enhancing the accuracy
and efficacy of preclinical testing, thereby enabling more precise
prediction of a drug’s performance in clinical trials. Moreover, the
development of multi-organ-on-a-chip (MOC) systems enables the
replication of various organs in vitro, making the study of drug-body
interactions possible. In this review, we first introduce the design of
organ-on-a-chip devices. Subsequently, we describe the applications of
different tissue co-culture configurations in organ-on-a-chip for drug
testing. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects associated
with organ-on-a-chip technology. In conclusion, this review provides a
comprehensive overview of organ-on-a-chip technology,
multi-organ-on-a-chip for drug testing, and the challenges and prospects
for the future.