Research summary
An organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) is a microchip that replicates the functions, mechanics and physiological response of human organs, such as the lung, intestine, kidney and skin. As Canada Research Chair in Organ-on-a-Chip Engineering, Dr. Milica Radisic is shaping a new field in OOAC engineering that focuses on growing miniaturized models of tissues from human stem cells.
She and her research team are developing new materials, 3D printing approaches and injection molding strategies to scale up the production of OOAC systems. Using patient samples, they are developing models and discovering new treatments for a wide range of diseases—from heritable arrhythmia to heart damage due to COVID-19 to kidney rejection. Ultimately, their mission is to deliver on the promise of personalized medicine by developing organ-on-a-chip models of heart disease and kidney failure.