Call to Action
We call on researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and funding bodies to support the development and validation of bone-on-a-chip models. Collaborative efforts are needed to establish standards, share data, and accelerate translation from lab to clinic.
1. Title of the Position Paper
Working title: “Bone-on-a-Chip Technology: Opportunities and Challenges for Biomedical Research”
2. Authors’ Information
Name: Terhi J. Heino
Affiliation: Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
Contact Information: terhi.j.heino@utu.fi
Name: Donata IANDOLO
Affiliation: SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
Contact Information: donata.iandolo@inserm.fr
Name: Nathalie Bravenboer
Affiliation: Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Contact Information: n.bravenboer@amsterdamumc.nl
3. Background
Bone-on-a-chip technology is an emerging platform that mimics the physiological and mechanical environment of bone tissue. It holds promise for improving disease modeling, drug development, and personalized medicine. Despite its potential, the field lacks a unified framework to guide development, validation, and application across different calcified tissue disease contexts.
4. Purpose of the Position Paper
The paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of bone-on-a-chip technology, highlighting its relevance for disease modeling, drug development, and personalized medicine. It seeks to clarify the scientific and clinical potential of these models and to foster a shared understanding of opportunities and challenges across disciplines.
5. Key Arguments
· Bone-on-a-chip models offer physiologically relevant platforms for studying complex bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, rare bone disorders and bone metastases, as well as other conditions, such as inflammatory diseases and bone defects.
· These models support various applications, including basic research, tissue engineering, drug screening, and personalized medicine.
· There is a need for clearer communication and alignment among researchers, clinicians, and industry to ensure the effective development and use of these models.
· A shared understanding of current capabilities and limitations is essential for advancing the field.
6. Supporting Evidence
- Recent studies demonstrating the use of microfluidic and 3D culture systems to replicate bone microenvironments.
- Examples of disease-specific models showing promise in preclinical testing.
- Industry interest in organ-on-chip platforms for drug development and toxicity screening.
- Identified gaps in standardization, validation, and regulatory pathways.
7. Conclusion
Bone-on-a-chip technology holds significant promise for advancing bone disease research and therapeutic development. This position paper synthesizes current knowledge and perspectives to support informed decision-making and collaboration across sectors.w