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. 2021;6(5):374-376.
doi: 10.1038/s41578-021-00305-z. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

COVID-19 highlights the model dilemma in biomedical research

Partho Protim Adhikary  1 , Qurrat Ul Ain  1 , Andreas Christian Hocke  2 , Sarah Hedtrich  1
Affiliations

COVID-19 highlights the model dilemma in biomedical research

Partho Protim Adhikary et al. Nat Rev Mater. 2021.

Abstract

Scientists worldwide struggle to identify suitable animal models to study SARS-CoV-2 infections. Interspecies-related differences, such as host specificity, divergent immune responses, or the unavailability of species-specific reagents hamper the research. Human-based models, such as micro-engineered multi-organs-on-chip, may hold the solution.

Keywords: Biomaterials; Pharmacology; Preclinical research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Modular ready-to-use chips as human (patho)physiology models.
The modular chips contain complex 3D organ models, which can be interconnected in a customizable way to address specific research questions. For example, immunocompetent human lung-on-chip, brain-on-chip, liver-on-chip, intestine-on-chip and kidney-on-chip can be connected to study multi-organ-involvement in COVID-19.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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