Researchers at UNAM Create Microfluidic Device to Replicate Human Liver Functions
Investigators from the UNAM’s Mechanobiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Sciences (FC) have developed a “liver on a chip” microfluidic device that can replicate crucial aspects of human physiology, primarily aimed at evaluating pharmaceuticals.
The Significance of the Liver and the Need for a “Liver on a Chip”
Genaro Vázquez Victorio, a full-time professor in the Department of Physics and head of the Mechanobiology Laboratory, highlighted this cutting-edge research project. He explained that a “liver on a chip” is essential for the pharmaceutical industry as it serves as an initial assessment of how a drug interacts with the body’s biochemical processes before moving to other organs like the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
The Technology and Its Applications
Microfluidic technology is a valuable tool in cell culture biology due to its ability to create complex cellular environments. Vázquez Victorio emphasized that such technology enables the replication of significant physiological aspects, including microvasculature, tissue connective barriers, and cell organization.
Recent Publication and Collaborative Effort
The team of university scientists recently published their findings in an article titled “Enhanced PDMS Functionalization for Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms Using Ozone and Sulfo-SANPAH: A Simple Approach for Biomimetic Long-Term Cell Cultures” in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
First “Liver on a Chip” in Latin America
This “liver on a chip” is the first of its kind in Latin America, with functionality comparable to those used in the United States. The researchers aimed to create an accessible protocol for any laboratory seeking similar levels of functionality, ensuring Mexico avoids technological lag and enters this development line in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “liver on a chip”? It’s a microfluidic device that replicates crucial aspects of human liver physiology, primarily used for initial drug evaluation.
- Why is this development significant? It allows for a more accurate assessment of drug interactions with the human body before moving to other organs, potentially reducing the need for animal testing and accelerating drug development.
- What challenges did the researchers face? The main challenge was creating a cell culture with specific characteristics similar to those in the US and Europe, ensuring cells remained viable for extended periods.
- What makes this “liver on a chip” unique? It’s the first in Latin America with comparable functionality to those used in the US, and its accessible protocol can be adopted by various laboratories.
This groundbreaking research, supported by the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI), has the potential to revolutionize drug evaluation processes and position Mexico as a leader in biomedical technology.
