Microfluidics for Osteochondral Interface Modeling

The osteochondral interface is the transitional zone between the cartilage tissue and subchondral bone. This region is crucial for load transfer and smooth joint movement. Understanding the complex biochemical, mechanical, and cellular interactions at this interface is essential for developing effective regenerative therapies, particularly for degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis. However, osteochondral tissue regeneration presents significant challenges due to its complex multicellular composition, hierarchical structure, and distinct mechanical properties. As a result, current therapeutic approaches often fail to achieve complete and functional tissue restoration. This underscores the need for biomimetic experimental models to improve our understanding of osteochondral tissue dynamics and to develop more effective treatment strategies. Although applicable in some instances, traditional preclinical models lack the physiological relevance necessary to accurately replicate the native environment, limiting their effectiveness in studying disease mechanisms, progression, and therapeutic responses. Microfluidic technology offers a powerful alternative, enabling precise control over cellular microenvironments, fluid dynamics, mechanical forces, and biochemical gradients. As such, this technology provides a more physiologically relevant platform for osteochondral interface research. Herein, the application of microfluidics in osteochondral tissue engineering is described, highlighting recent advancements in organ-on-chip models that replicate both physiological and pathological conditions. The design of microfluidic platforms for co-culturing diverse cell types, integrating biomimetic hydrogels, and applying mechanical stimuli is discussed. Additionally, the potential incorporation of real-time monitoring methods to extract quantitative data is highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in leveraging microfluidics for osteochondral research are addressed, highlighting its potential applications in drug screening, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies.