Review compares academic and commercial liver-on-a-chip models

What the study found: The review says recent liver-on-a-chip models vary in design and cellular composition, and that they differ in complexity, advantages, and disadvantages. It also reports that a systematic comparison of these models was performed.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors state that more advanced liver-on-a-chip models could help integrate preclinical workflows, with the potential to decrease research and development expenses and reduce or even replace animal testing, while improving the safety and efficacy of new therapies.
What the researchers tested: This is a review of recent academic and commercial liver-on-a-chip models. The authors examined their designs, cellular compositions, complexity, current challenges, and future perspectives, and compared the models systematically.
What worked and what didn't: The abstract says liver-on-a-chip technology has proven useful in drug development and in more advanced applications. It also says the review evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of model complexity, but it does not name specific models as better or worse in the abstract.
What to keep in mind: The abstract does not provide detailed limitations of the reviewed models beyond noting current challenges. The summary available here is limited to the review's stated scope and does not include specific comparative results.

Key points

• The review covers recent academic and commercial liver-on-a-chip models.
• The models are described as differing in design, cellular composition, and complexity.
• The authors say advanced models could help lower R&D costs and reduce or replace animal testing.
• The review includes a systematic comparison plus discussion of current challenges and future perspectives.
• The abstract does not identify specific models as superior in the comparison.