Abstract

Organoids-on-a-chip (OoC) technology is a pivotal advancement in biomedical research, engineered to meticulously replicate the intricate physiological functions of organs within controlled in vitro microenvironments. A critical component for elevating the biological fidelity and physiological relevance of these advanced platforms is the integration of a functional vascular system, vital for nutrient and oxygen delivery, waste removal, and intricate cell-cell communication. In this context, microfluidic technology has proven to be an exceptionally powerful tool. Its unparalleled precision in controlling fluid dynamics and engineering microscale architectures facilitates the creation of perfusable and functional 3D microvasculature within a wide array of OoC systems. Gearing off with a comprehensive note on the approaches to harness microfluidics for such platforms, the content in this article is streamlined towards understanding the advantages and key challenges of the technology. Furthermore, the nuances and the progress in the realm are reflected through a discussion on recent exemplary studies, illustrating the diverse biomedical applications of microfluidic-driven vascularized OoC (vOoC) systems.