Flagship 4 - Predictive human-on-a-chip models

Cutting-edge technologies, including microfluidics for multi-organ models, vascularization techniques for organoids, multimodal sensors and reporters, high-throughput and miniaturization technologies propel the concept of human biomedical research to an entirely new level – ‘engineered human tissues on-a-chip’. Helmholtz scientists operate at the forefront of developing such genuine human models, including organoids of the brain, pancreas, gut, tumors and neuromuscular systems. There is also a large expertise in the field of stem cell based tissue engineering and reconstruction by 3D bioprinting, for instance in skin, retina, heart, bone marrow, liver, neurovascular unit and lung, pursuit in start-ups and collaborations with industry to bioengineer vascularized human tissues by integrating 3D-bioprinting and cellular self-assembly, reconstruction of the neurovascular unit, heart and liver tissue or vascularized retina using Helmholtz proprietary technology. Human microphysiology and human-on-a-chip models will be instrumental in understanding mechanisms of cardiovascular and infectious diseases, cancer, dementia, diabetes, as well as complex multi-organ diseases – and revolutionize the evaluation/validation of new drugs and therapies in a human systems setting of unprecedented scale.