Application of Organ-on-a-chip Technology in Oral Disease Research

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.01.002

Abstract

Abstract: The oral cavity has complex physiological characteristics and unique anatomical environment, which is difficult to accurately simulate using traditional two-dimensional in vitro models. Organ-on-a-chip technology, an emerging method that mimics the physiological functions and characteristics of organs in vitro, utilizes microfluidic perfusion systems to recreate the structure and functional units of living tissues. This approach accurately reflects the dynamic biological processes of oral tissues, aiding in the understanding of the pathological mechanisms of diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer, while also assessing the efficacy and safety of new drugs. This review highlights the applications of organ-on-a-chip technology in oral disease research, focusing on dental chips, mucosal chips, oral cancer chips, and salivary gland chips. Despite current challenges such as model standardization and high costs, organ-on-a-chip technology is poised to play a significant role in future oral medical research.

Key words: organ-on-a-chip, tooth-on-a-chip, mucosa-on-a-chip, oral cancer-on-a-chip, salivary gland-on-a-chip

LIU Zhangqiaochu, HUANG Xinzhi. Application of Organ-on-a-chip Technology in Oral Disease Research[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(1): 8-11.

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