Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms for Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine: Current Advances, Applications and Future Perspective

Abstract

Organ-on-a-chip  (OOC) technology has emerged as a transformative microphysiological platform that addresses the limitations of conventional two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models in recapitulating human physiology. By integrating microfluidics, tissue engineering, biomaterials and living human cells within controlled microenvironments, OOC systems can recapitulate key structural, mechanical and biochemical features of native tissues and organs. Recent advances have enabled the development of diverse organ-specific and multi-organ  platforms capable of modeling complex physiological  and pathological processes, including  tissue-tissue interactions, barrier function, immune responses and drug-induced toxicity. Furthermore, the integration of organ-on-a-chip technology with stem-cell-derived organoids has enhanced biological fidelity by combining self-organizing tissue architecture with precise environmental control. These platforms have demonstrated significant potential for disease modeling, predictive toxicology, efficacy screening, pharmacokinetic studies and personalized medicine through the use of patient-derived cells and disease-specific models. The emerging integration of artificial intelligence and advanced biosensing technologies further expands their capacity for automated analysis, high-content data interpretation and precision pharmacology. Despite substantial progress, challenges related to standardization, reproducibility, scalability, regulatory validation and commercialization continue to limit widespread  adoption.  This  review examines the engineering foundations, biological applications and translational significance of organ-on-a-chip systems, with particular  emphasis on their roles in drug discovery and personalized medicine. Additionally, current limitations, regulatory considerations and future perspectives are discussed to evaluate the potential of these platforms as next-generation  tools  for human-relevant biomedical research and precision therapeutics.