ORGAN-ON-CHIP: A REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY TO STUDY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Dementia currently affects nearly 50 million people worldwide, and this number is projected to rise to 130 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, accounting for 60–70% of all dementia cases. Despite intense efforts, there is no effective treatment against AD. Most drug candidates have failed in large-scale clinical trials, underscoring the need for innovative research strategies that could lead to a deeper understanding of the disease and, consequently, to novel therapeutic approaches.
Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technology provides powerful ex vivo models that realistically mimic the functions and structures of organs. The present project aims to adapt OoC technology to study AD, using organotypic slices from adult ‘5XFAD’ transgenic mice. Our goal is to characterize major histopathological hallmarks from the disease through the development of new biosensors integrated into the OoC, as well as through immunohistochemical analysis. This double approach, combined with the potential of the OoC to mimic the cell microenvironment with high control and precision, enables not only real-time biomolecule screening but also a detailed analysis of AD histopathology. Additionally, OoC technology may be applied to potential drug testing, as it allows precise and regulated drug delivery to organotypic slices.
In conclusion, the present study highlights the potential of OoC technology as an advanced experimental device for studying Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the adaptability of this tool makes it ideal for modelling other neurological and systemic disorders, facilitating its application in both basic and clinical research.