Stem Cell Derived Placenta-On-A-Chip

Brief Description

This technology offers a groundbreaking approach to mimic human placental development and study pregnancy-related complications in vitro.

Full Description

Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a placenta-on-a-chip technology utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create placental organoids within a microfluidic device, simulating the human placental environment and its interactions with maternal vasculature. This innovative platform enables the study of placental development, drug toxicity, and various pregnancy-associated complications without the ethical and practical limitations of using human subjects.

Suggested uses

• Research and development in developmental biology and maternal health. 
• Drug toxicity and efficacy testing specific to pregnancy. 
• Advanced academic and pharmaceutical research into pregnancy complications and fetal development. 
• Innovative platforms for studying the effects of environmental factors on placental and fetal health.

Advantages

• Enables the study of human placental development and diseases in vitro. 
• Overcomes ethical and accessibility issues associated with using human subjects and placental samples. 
• Provides a physiologically relevant model with the inclusion of vascular structures. 
• Offers an unlimited source of placental cells for research purposes. 
• Facilitates disease modeling and toxicity screening with higher reproducibility and lower costs.

Patent Status

Patent Pending