Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a groundbreaking “placenta-on-a-chip” using a thin, transparent polymer block with microchannels a millionth of a meter wide and high, separated by a porous membrane. The aim of this innovation is to study the transfer of medications and nutrients across the placental barrier, both from the mother to the fetus and vice versa.
Nicole Hashemi, the project lead and associate professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, shared that their team is working on incorporating sensing platforms into the model. This will further enhance the understanding of cellular reactions to chemical stimuli.
The model is currently undergoing developments to incorporate ion-utilizing platforms to observe cellular responses to mechanical or chemical stimuli, as well as hyperspectral imaging equipment to gauge cellular reactions to chemical stimuli. These advancements will enable more detailed observations and data collection.
Looking forward, the researchers hope to further expand the applications of the “placenta-on-a-chip” model. They aim to use the patient’s cells for personalized therapy enhancement and achieve higher accuracy in testing for the transport rate of specific compounds, setting safe exposure levels. The project also involves studies on the transport of caffeine and nanomedicines across the placental barrier.
Reflecting on the project’s journey since its initiation in 2015, Hashemi acknowledges the team’s growth from novices to pioneers in the field. She highlights the project’s innovation and the significant strides made, despite limited resources.
Funding for this research comes from a $350,000 grant spanning three years provided by the NSF’s Partnerships for Innovation program and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, tailored for mid-career researchers.
The developments in the “placenta-on-a-chip” technology hold promise for addressing critical health concerns for both mothers and their offspring. This new approach to studying the placental barrier could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating a range of pregnancy-related conditions.
This work was originally published on Interesting Engineering.
