AccScience Publishing / IJB / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/IJB025130110
REVIEW ARTICLE
Early Access

Integrated applications of microfluidics, organoids, and 3D bioprinting in in vitro 3D biomimetic models

Shiyao Li1† Xuliang Liu2† Leyi Zhang3† Qi Wang1,4*
Show Less
1 Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
2 Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
3 College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
4 Cancer Translational Medicine Research Center, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
Received: 27 March 2025 | Accepted: 29 April 2025 | Published online: 2 May 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

Background: Biomedical research has long faced challenges in accurately simulating human organ microenvironments and overcoming biological differences, hindering in-depth understanding of physiopathological mechanisms and cutting-edge development of therapeutic approaches. However, novel technologies such as organoids, microfluidics, and 3D bioprinting offer promising solutions, facilitating biomedical advances and innovation. Yet, none of the three technologies alone can be a highly relevant preclinical model, making combined approaches necessary. Aim of Review: The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the diverse combinations of microfluidics, organoids, and 3D bioprinting for better biomedical preclinical models. Key Scientific Concepts of Review: In this review, after briefly describing the three technologies, we highlight the advantages of combining the two and explore the prospects for drug research, disease modelling, and other applications. In addition, we discuss the combination of the three technologies and the first extension of the 4D culture approach with the addition of the time dimension and anticipate the emergence of more integrated models to propel biomedical research and revolutionize healthcare.

Keywords
Microfluidics
Organoids
3D bioprinting
Combinations
In vitro 3D biomimetic models
Funding
Not applicable.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare they have no competing interests.
Share
Back to top
International Journal of Bioprinting, Electronic ISSN: 2424-8002 Print ISSN: 2424-7723, Published by AccScience Publishing