Abstract:
Mortality from liver disease conditions continues to be very high. As liver diseases
manifest and progress silently, prompt measures after diagnosis are essential in the treatment of
these conditions. Microfluidic organs-on-chip platforms have significant potential for the study of
the pathophysiology of liver diseases in vitro. Different liver-on-a-chip microphysiological platforms
have been reported to study cell-signaling pathways such as those activating stellate cells within liver
diseases. Moreover, the drug efficacy for liver conditions might be evaluated on a cellular metabolic
level. Here, we present a comprehensive review of microphysiological platforms used for modelling
liver diseases. First, we briefly introduce the concept and importance of organs-on-a-chip in studying
liver diseases in vitro, reflecting on existing reviews of healthy liver-on-a-chip platforms. Second,
the techniques of cell cultures used in the microfluidic devices, including 2D, 3D, and spheroid cells,
are explained. Next, the types of liver diseases (NAFLD, ALD, hepatitis infections, and drug injury)
on-chip are explained for a further comprehensive overview of the design and methods of developing
liver diseases in vitro. Finally, some challenges in design and existing solutions to them are reviewed