Fueling Biologically Relevant Next-Generation Microvasculature-on-a-Chip Platforms with Mechanobiology

As one of the earliest systems to develop in the embryo, second to only the nervous system, the cardiovascular system is vital for the development, and healthy functioning of the human body. Accurate models of the microvasculature, the outermost reaches of the cardiovascular system, therefore benefits all aspects of human biology – from understanding embryo development, to neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular research. Advances in tissue engineering have significantly increased our capacity to model this dynamic and mechanically complex system. Taking advantage of developments in microfluidics, micro-fabrication techniques, and a better understanding of the biophysical and biochemical cues of the vasculature in vivo, we are now poised to model this system with unprecedented accuracy. Here, we explore the biological relevance of key components of microvasculature-on-a-chip platforms. To address the development of specific disease models, careful consideration should be given to the biological implications of the selected cell types, ECM, micro-fabrication method, and biophysical and mechanobiological cues to ensure that artificial microvessels most accurately capture biologically relevant mechanisms.