A groundbreaking “placenta-on-a-chip” has been developed by a team of researchers using a thin, transparent polymer block with microchannels a millionth of a meter wide and high, separated by a porous membrane. The main aim of this innovative model is to study the transfer of medications and nutrients across the placental barrier. The team, led by Nicole Hashemi, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, is also looking to incorporate sensing platforms into the model.
The researchers are currently working on the development of two distinct models. One model uses ions to observe cellular responses to mechanical or chemical stimuli, while the other incorporates “hyperspectral” imaging equipment to gauge cellular reactions to chemical stimuli. With their high spectral resolution, hyperspectral sensors can capture intricate details about the spectral characteristics of a scene, allowing for the detection of subtle variations in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The team envisions the model evolving to utilize a patient’s cells for personalized therapy enhancement. The ultimate goal of this project is to introduce technology that addresses critical health concerns for both mothers and their offspring.
Reflecting on the journey since the project’s initiation, Hashemi acknowledges the team’s growth from novices to pioneers in the field. The development of this “placenta-on-a-chip” has been supported by a $350,000 grant provided by the NSF’s Partnerships for Innovation program and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. This grant aims to significantly boost and propel the research programs and career paths of mid-career researchers.
In conclusion, the “placenta-on-a-chip” has the potential to revolutionize the study of fetal health and development, providing valuable insights into the transfer of medications and nutrients across the placental barrier. The innovative technology developed by this team of researchers at Iowa State University is a significant step forward in the field of prenatal and maternal health.
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