Microphysiological systems (MPS) are innovative, miniaturized in vitro models that replicate the structure and function of human organs. These systems recapitulate the smallest functional units of the respective organ by exposing cells within the tissue composite to a microenvironment that closely approximates the native situation in the human body as accurately as possible. In this way, complex human biological mechanisms and processes can be modeled, allowing for the investigation of (patho)physiological conditions and the evaluation of the effects of different stimuli (pathogens, therapeutics, chemicals, environmental toxins).
The MPS technology encompasses various model types, specifically organ-on-chip and organoid approaches. Organ-on-chip models combine concepts from cell biology, microfluidics, and bioengineering, and are characterized by miniaturized tissues with blood vessel-like perfusion.