Lab-grown placenta-on-chip for drug transfer

LAB-GROWN PLACENTA-ON-CHIP TO STUDY MATERNAL–FOETAL DRUG TRANSFER

Why in the News?

  • Scientific Breakthrough: Researchers from ICMR-NIRWoH and IIT Bombay have developed a placenta-on-chip through strategic partnerships, a laboratory-grown human placenta model to study the transfer of drugs, nutrients, pollutants, and pathogens from mother to foetus.
  • Significance: The innovation could improve pregnancy-safe drug development, reduce dependence on animal models, and advance research on pregnancy-related disorders, positioning India competitively in global biomedical research amid us and china scientific leadership.

Lab-grown placenta-on-chip for drug transfer

PLACENTA-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGY

  • Human-Based Model: The placenta-on-chip is a transparent microdevice built using human placental cells and human endothelial cells, closely replicating the maternal–foetal exchange interface through advanced biotechnology aligned with indo-pacific strategy for scientific excellence.
  • Working Mechanism: Cells are grown on a porous membrane separating two chambers, enabling researchers to study the movement of nutrients, hormones, medicines, pollutants, and infectious agents across the placental barrier.
  • Key Features: The model reproduces important placental functions, including beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) production, glucose transport, and the structural architecture of the human placenta.
  • Accessible Design: Unlike sophisticated microfluidic systems, this static two-chamber platform can be used in conventional laboratories, making it cost-effective, reproducible, and widely accessible.
  • Research Potential: The technology can accelerate studies on drug safety during pregnancy, maternal–foetal physiology, and placental disorders while reducing reliance on animal experimentation.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INNOVATION

  • Safer Medicines: The platform enables scientists to evaluate whether medicines cross the placenta, supporting the development of evidence-based treatments for pregnant women.
  • Disease Research: It offers new opportunities to investigate disorders such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction, and placental infections.
  • Reduced Animal Testing: Human-cell-based models provide more accurate results than animal models, improving the reliability of biomedical research while supporting ethical research practices.
  • Precision Medicine: Researchers can better understand maternal–foetal interactions, paving the way for personalised therapeutic strategies during pregnancy.
  • Healthcare Impact: Improved knowledge of placental biology can contribute to lower maternal and neonatal mortality, healthier pregnancies, and enhanced reproductive healthcare outcomes.

ABOUT PLACENTA

●  Definition: The placenta is a temporary foetal organ that develops during pregnancy, connecting the developing foetus to the mother’s uterus through the umbilical cord.

●  Functions: It facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products between the maternal and foetal circulatory systems while supporting foetal growth and development.

●  Protective Role: The placenta acts as a selective barrier, limiting the passage of many harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients and antibodies to reach the foetus.

●  Hormonal Functions: It secretes hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and oestrogen, which help maintain pregnancy and prepare the mother’s body for childbirth.

●  UPSC Relevance: Important for GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Health Innovations) and Prelims – Human Physiology, Reproductive Biology, and Medical Research.