Development and evaluation of a microfluidic human testicular tissue chip: a novel in vitro platform for reproductive biology and pharmacology studies

Abstract

Organ-on-a-chip culture systems using human organ tissues provide invaluable preclinical insights into systemic functions in vitro. This study aimed to develop a novel human testicular tissue chip within a microfluidic device employing computer-aided design software and photolithography technology. Polydimethylsiloxane was used as the primary material to ensure marked gas permeability and no biotoxicity, enabling effective mimicry of the in vivo testicular microenvironment. This biochip preserved the structural integrity and cellular composition of human testicular tissue, as well as part of its functionality, over an extended period in vitro. Moreover, compared to traditional static culture methods, it more effectively maintained tissue viability and endocrine function. The chip maintained cellular components, histological morphology, and an ultrastructure similar to those in vivo. Notably, the addition of gonadotropins to the human testis tissue on the chip resulted in consistent and steady in vitro production of testosterone and inhibin B. Additionally, the chip displayed sensitivity to the reproductive toxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug busulfan. The results demonstrate the successful establishment of a novel human testicular tissue chip culture system, providing a novel in vitro approach enabling the exploration of human reproductive biology, reproductive pharmacology, toxicology, individual diagnosis, and treatment strategies.