The current human model
Scientists will combine individual organs-on-a-chip into an electronic human model
Andrey Vasilkov
Published on 13.08.2012 in the author's blog on "Computerra"
The US Agency for Advanced Defense Research and Development (DARPA) has allocated a grant of $ 37 million to develop 10 models of various organs-on-a-chip and combine them into a model of the human body with the most accurate representation of biochemical and physiological features.
The bioengineering concept of "laboratory-on-a–chip" is a promising technique for modeling individual organs by combining living cells with high-precision automation.
Since each module is made of transparent flexible plastic, it literally provides a window for observing all processes in real time.
Of particular interest is the kidney-on-a-chip subsidiary project. It should become not only an important research tool, but also the basis of a portable hemodialysis system. Now the Wyss Institute of Bioengineering at Harvard University has a much more difficult task.
So far, only relatively simple isolated physical simulations have been fully prepared and successfully tested: "lungs-on-a-chip" and "intestines-on-a-chip". Scientists are finalizing prototypes of other hollow organs and are looking for approaches to modeling parenchymal ones.
The video below demonstrates one of the first light–on-a-chip models:
Recreating in detail the features of kidney function is an extremely science–intensive, but twice-funded task. It will be extremely difficult to develop a liver-on-a-chip, but compared to general tasks, this is still a warm-up.
It is not yet clear to what extent the control systems (nervous and endocrine) will be modeled, what will be done with the skin, whether such components as thymus and bone marrow are needed, what to do with sexual dimorphism and how to integrate all components.
DARPA wants the most accurate copy (while realizing the impossibility of imitating the brain), but even the task of developing a "headless" model of ten combined organs-on-a-chip hardly corresponds to modern knowledge and technical capabilities.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru13.08.2012