Organ-on-a-chip Masterclass

The Organ-on-Chip Masterclass – March 2024

During the 2 day intensive masterclass, held in partnership with AZAR Innovations in London, attendees from academia and industry took part in group discussions and problem solving, specialised lectures and practical hands-on training using a variety of organ-on-chip designs.

Guest expert lecturers Malcolm Wilkinson, Pelin Candarlioglu Deacon and Clive Roper shared their knowledge and expertise, and 4 organ-on-chip companies ibidi GmbH (Thistle Scientific ), NETRI, microfluidic ChipShop GmbH and InSphero demonstrated their products and gave attendees hands-on training on how to use them.

An ‘organ-on-chip challenge’ rounded off the masterclass, with attendees working in groups focused on specific organs/organ systems in the body (liver, lung, cardiovascular and nervous system) that reflected their research interests.

The aim of this was to brainstorm and present each group’s own organ-on-chip design aimed to solve a current unanswered puzzle in that particular disease area. The energy was palpable with enthusiasm and ideas in abundance with a winning design and prize presented to the circulatory system team!

The masterclass aimed to combat one of the obstacles in the uptake of non-animal technologies (also known as ‘new approach methodologies’ or ‘NAMs’), namely a paucity of training. With many organ-on-chips on the market, there is a need for more practical training and awareness of the pros and cons of each model,  showcasing each one’s suitability for answering a specific research question.

Furthermore, with the belief that many early career researchers (ECRs) will embrace and promote this animal-replacement technology, Animal Free Research UK subsidised ECR places as part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers to lead the way in animal-free technologies.

“I am now even more motivated to dive into OoC, and talk to decision makers and  academics so they embrace this technology in their universities to replace the animal testing with ethical, modern, human relevant alternatives” – Luis Falcón GNU Solidario, Advancing Social Medicine

The masterclass ended with an informal networking event where attendees reflected on the event and shared their experiences, with many now motivated to push for incorporation of organ-on-chip technology in their workplaces to replace animals, and a commitment to raise awareness of this technology amongst their peers.