OVERVIEW

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to organ-on-chip technology, an innovative platform that combines microfluidics and cell biology to model human organ functions in vitro. Students will explore the design and application of the organ-on-chip systems for drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. The course also addresses current challenges and the translational potential of organ-on-chip models in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of human in vitro models used in personalized medicine. In particular, the course will introduce the fundamentals of organ-on-chip technologies - including cell cultures, devices, and key characterization techniques - with focus on their applications in disease modelling and drug testing.
Special attention will be given to the characterization of electrophysiological signals generated by brain-on-chip and heart-on-chip models.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim 1:
Understand the principles and applications of organ-on-chip systems in biomedical research.
Learning Outcome 1:
Students will be able to explain the design, function, and biomedical applications of organ-on-chip platforms, including their advantages over traditional in vitro and in vivo models.

Aim 2:
Gain knowledge of the biological and engineering components involved in organ-on-chip design.
Learning Outcome 2:
Students will be able to describe the role of cell types, biomaterials, and microfluidic architecture in replicating tissue and organ functions.

Aim 3:
Learn how to acquire and analyze electrophysiological signals from organ-on-chip models.
Learning Outcome 3:
Students will be able to extract and interpret electrophysiological signals (e.g., from cardiac or neuronal cells) using appropriate sensors and data analysis methods.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cell biology and human physiology; skills in data analysis and signal processing; familiarity with bioengineering principles.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures with the support of audio-visual material.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to In Vitro Models

  • Conventional animal-based in vitro systems

  • Limitations and transition toward human-relevant models

• Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs)

  • Fundamentals of hiPSC biology and generation

  • Differentiation protocols into cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other lineages

  • Development of 2D cultures, 3D structures, and organoids

• Organ-on-Chip Technology

  • Key components: cellular models, microenvironment engineering, external stimuli, and data readouts

  • Integration of sensors for monitoring physiological responses

  • Design considerations for mimicking organ-specific functions

• Applications and Examples of Organ-on-Chip Systems

  • Brain-on-chip and Blood-Brain Barrier-on-chip

  • Heart-on-chip

  • Lung-on-chip

  • Gut-on-chip

• Electrophysiological Readouts in organ-on-chip models

  • Measurement and analysis of electrical activity in cardiomyocytes and neurons

  • Functional assessment in both healthy and disease-like conditions

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture slides and selected scientific articles from peer-reviewed journals.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final assessment will consist of an oral examination covering the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the course.

In addition, students will be required to complete a practical assignment involving the analysis of electrophysiological signals (e.g., from cardiomyocytes or neurons in organ-on-chip models). This task includes the submission of a written report detailing the methods, results, and interpretation of the data. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Student performance will be evaluated through a combination of the following:

• Oral Examination (80%)
  To assess understanding of key concepts, theoretical foundations, and the ability to discuss applications of organ-on-chip technology.

• Practical Assignment and Report (20%)
  Students will analyze electrophysiological data (e.g., from cardiac or neuronal models) derived from patient and healthy subjects and submit a written report detailing methodology, data processing, results interpretation, and critical discussion.

Active participation during lecture sections may also be considered for borderline evaluations.

During the oral examination, the work performed for the practical assignment and the report may be discussed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

None