26.03.2024

With over seven million individuals in Germany affected by diabetes, science still faces challenges in drug research. However, under the leadership of Prof. Peter Loskill from both the NMI and the University of Tübingen, scientists have devised a method that markedly enhances our understanding at the molecular and cellular levels within the pancreas.

Image: The background is black and in the foreground, there are some sugar tubes and pastilles. Furthermore, there is the almost transparent organ-on-chip; Copyright: Silke Riegger, 3R-Center

New technique of organ-on-chip gives new opportunities for the research on diabetes.

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Harnessing Organ-on-Chip technology

At the forefront of this research is the application of organ-on-chip technology, a new approach that enables the recreation of organ-like structures on microfluidic chips. Led by Prof. Peter Loskill and his team, scientists have developed specialized pancreatic cell clusters on these chips, providing a platform for more accurate drug testing and analysis.

Enhanced insights through microfluidic modeling

By mimicking the natural microenvironment of pancreatic cells, the organ-on-chip platform offers unprecedented insights into the mechanisms underlying diabetes. With the integration of miniature sensors, researchers can monitor the organ models in real time, allowing for more comprehensive and informative experiments compared to traditional methods.

Advantages of Organ-on-Chip models

Organ-on-chip models offer several advantages over conventional research techniques. These models simulate the behavior of real organs more accurately, enabling researchers to study drug responses and disease progression with greater precision. Moreover, the ability to use human cells in these models enhances their translatability to human physiology, potentially reducing the need for animal experiments.

Future implications and progress

The development of organ-on-chip technology represents a significant step forward in diabetes research and beyond. With the ability to conduct longer and more meaningful experiments, researchers are poised to make substantial progress in understanding and treating various diseases.

Moreover, the potential reduction in animal experimentation underscores the ethical and scientific significance of this approach. This work led by Prof. Peter Loskill and his team at NMI offers new hope for individuals living with diabetes. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and research methodologies, scientists are paving the way for improved treatments and a deeper understanding of this complex disease.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen

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