Organs-on-chips (OoCs) are micro-engineered systems recapitulating the microenvironment and functions of native organs, thus representing a platform for studying complex biological processes in vitro . Advances in OoC technology have transformed the landscape of disease modeling, opening new avenues for research and therapeutic development. Gut- and Liver-on-chip models are particularly relevant, given the involvement of these two organs in several physiological processes. Indeed, the intricate interactions between the gastrointestinal and hepatic systems, named gut-liver axis, play a key role in metabolic processes and in the pathogenesis of several conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes the advancements in the field of gut- and liver-on-chip models over the past five years, focusing on their application in disease modeling. By highlighting recent developments and open challenges, we aim to underscore the potential of these systems in enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and improving therapeutic strategies.

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is emerging as an important technique in characterising and mapping the mechanical properties of cancer on the micro-scale. This review presents the latest advances in the development of OCE for oncology, highlighting cancer mechanobiology, drug-delivery monitoring, and clinical diagnostics as the three most promising areas. Key technical innovations are described including the development of novel loading methods to enable the imaging of single cells, as well as the design of imaging probes that enable OCE’s application to in vivo imaging. We also provide our perspective on how these developments may shape future translation and adoption of OCE in oncology.

The microenvironment of an infection is the biological space surrounding the interaction between the pathogen and the host. Focusing on epithelial barriers, the apical microenvironment corresponds to the lumen of the organ, where the pathogen must survive amidst body fluids, microbiota, and cellular secretions. On the opposite side, the basal microenvironment includes stromal cells, endothelial cells of blood vessels, and immune cells recruited to combat infection. The first distinguishing element between the apical and basal domains is the epithelium itself, which consists of polarized cells that secrete different molecules to their apical and basal domains. Organoids and other stem cell-derived culture systems have emerged as valuable models for studying epithelial barriers and their capacities for pathogen recognition, inflammatory signalling, and differentiation. By mimicking multiple aspects of epithelial biology in vitro , organoids provide an opportunity to investigate infections from the initial attack to the subsequent defences. This review explores how organoids, stem cell-derived planar cultures, and micro-physiological systems are transforming our understanding of infection microenvironments. • Organoid-derived models enable in vitro studies of infection microenvironments. • Organoids have tissue polarity but lack flow and luminal access. • Planar cultures enable access and support high-throughput studies. • Microphysiological systems combine flow and architectural complexity.