MPS-Core Facility

Microphysiological Systems

Microphysiological systems (MPS) are innovative, miniaturized in vitro models that replicate the structure and function of human organs. By recapitulating the smallest functional units of organs and exposing cells to a microenvironment that closely mimics human biology, these systems enable a more realistic investigation of complex human biological mechanisms and processes. This allows researchers to study (patho)physiological conditions and assess the effects of various stimuli – such as pathogens, therapeutics, chemicals, and environmental toxins – on human-relevant models. Importantly, these advanced in vitro methods are not only alternatives to traditional animal testing but also valuable complements. The enhanced ability to model human biology open entirely new avenues for answering basic research questions with human-relevant insights, advancing research in ways that animal models may not achieve.
The MPS technology encompasses various model types, most prominently organ-on-chip and organoid approaches. Organoids are 3D multicellular in vitro tissues that self-assemble through the differentiation of stem/progenitor cells, closely resembling human tissue structures. Organ-on-chip models combine cell biology, microfabrication, and tissue engineering to create miniaturized organ substructures within microfluidic devices. These models provide a controlled microenvironment and include blood vessel-like perfusion, allowing to recapitulate aspects of the organ’s dynamics, functionality and (patho)physiological response.

MPS-Core Facility at the 3R-Center Tübingen

The worldwide 1st Core Facility for Microphysiological Systems was established in 2024 with the help of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Ministry of Science, Research and Arts at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Medicine at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen.

Our mission is to provide low-threshold access to complex, human-relevant in vitro models to academic researchers.

Our central goal is to enable scientists to address their research question in an MPS without needing to invest in expensive infrastructure and specialized training. In addition to a comprehensive tailored infrastructure, users have access to professional support from trained personnel in the core facility. They will accompany and assist you closely from planning and execution to the evaluation of your study.

The Core Facility team supports users throughout the entire process: from initial consultations to training and assistance with the realization of experiments, all the way to providing the necessary infrastructure. Specifically, our support includes the following:

1. Consultation

- Early-phase evaluation of new studies to assess potential
  options for replacement or reduction of animal studies
- Assistance with study conceptualization and development of work plans for research proposals

2. Training and Hands-On Assistance

- Tailored guidance and professional support in experimental design and selection from a broad range of state-of-the-art Organ-on-Chip platforms
- Foundational scientific knowledge and skill-building training sessions as preparation for laboratory work with MPS
- Expert advice and counselling during realization of experiments and data evaluation

3. Access to Technology Platform

- Access to cell culture laboratories as well as dedicated MPS laboratories (BSL-1)
- A wide range of specialized infrastructure for MPS experimentation
- One-on-One and Hands-on support by core facility staff

Featured Models

Based on established and commercially available systems, we offer a variety of models, including:

Lung-on-Chip
Gut-on-Chip
Vasculature-on-Chip
Kidney-on-Chip
Liver-on-Chip
Heart-on-Chip
Adipose tissue-on-Chip

Additional models upon request.

Potential Applications

Possible research questions include:

Mechanistic biomedical Research
Personalized Medicine
Disease Modelling
Testing of therapeutic approaches
Drug Delivery Monitoring
Toxicological Research

Pilot projects

We are pleased to offer our services free of charge for the initial three pilot studies, with expert support available throughout your project at our core facility. This includes comprehensive consultation, training, experiment execution, and data evaluation. Our pilot projects include studies on the kidney, adipose tissue and intestine.

1. Investigating ENaC Activation in Nephrotic Syndrome using Organ-on-Chip technology

Nephrotic syndrome is a complex condition characterized by proteinuria, pronounced edema, and hypoalbuminemia, and can be triggered by various glomerular and systemic diseases. A key mechanism in nephrotic syndrome is the aberrant filtration of proteases into the urine (proteasuria), leading to the proteolytic overactivation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). ENaC, expressed in the distal nephron, is activated by serine proteases and plays a crucial role in the regulation of sodium and water balance. Its dysregulation contributes to sodium retention and edema formation.
The specific serine protease(s) responsible for ENaC activation in nephrotic syndrome remain unidentified. To address this, the MPS-Core Facility supports this pilot study by assisting in the selection and establishment of a physiologically relevant human Organ-on-Chip model. This model will use tubular cells expressing ENaC, tested under various conditions with healthy and nephrotic urine or defined protease cocktails, to provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of proteolytic ENaC activation.

2. Analysis of cell-type-specific effects of glucocorticoids on the immunometabolism of white adipose tissue

The project with Prof. Tuckermann and his team (University of Ulm) explores a cutting-edge approach to understanding the effects of glucocorticoids on white adipose tissue (WAT). The focus is on evaluating cell-type-specific pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies that reduce inflammation while minimizing disruptions to insulin sensitivity. With the support of the Core Facility, a state-of-the-art WAT-on-chip model will replicate key biological processes previously studied in animal models by Prof. Tuckermann’s team. By refining protocols and optimizing glucocorticoid concentrations to reflect both physiological and pharmacological levels, this pilot project aims to reduce reliance on animal models while generating robust, reproducible results that facilitate the transfer of this technology to other laboratories.

3. Influence of Anaerobic Bacteria on the Development of Colorectal Cancer

As part of this pilot study, the MPS-Core Facility will support the establishment of a microfluidic co-culture system to investigate whether distinct anaerobic bacterial taxa influence the genetic evolution of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study will initially use mouse colon organoids (MCOs) with defined mutations in a two-chamber microfluidic chip, where they will be co-cultured with anaerobic bacteria to assess bacteria-CRC organoid cell interactions. To validate these findings in a human-based system, patient-derived cancer organoids will be integrated and co-cultured with specific bacterial strains or metabolites identified as influencing CRC evolution in the murine model.
Following the pilot study conducted with the Core Facility, subsequent research will explore whether these bacteria or their metabolites enhance metastatic potential by assessing cancer cell migration between the microfluidic chambers. This continued investigation could ultimately contribute to identifying new therapeutic targets and strategies for CRC treatment and prevention.

Are you interested in utilizing the services of the Core Facility at the 3R-Center in Tübingen?

Are you interested in implementing MPS for your research, increasing human-relevance, and reducing animal experimentation? We are happy to offer you tailored, targeted and confidential consultation. Submit your inquiry via the following contact form and we will get back to you promptly.