Have you ever heard about organoid? If you have an interest in the medical system, you may already know about it. The definition of organoid is that a body organ or organization has cellular diversity, similar structure within vivo organization, and 3D cell aggregate, which has a characteristic function. It can be produced through differentiation methods that mimic human natural development. There are not only some advantages that can be helpful to people but also some disadvantages which should be solved.

▲ growing skin organiod

First of all, organoid provides us advantages. It can be an alternative to animal experiments, so we can overcome the problems of animal experiments. Also, a large number of differentiated cells can be secured because the organoid which is based on totipotency stem cell has unlimited proliferation ability and differentiation potential. It can make it possible to research systemic toxicity and develop the field of a new drug. Furthermore, we can make the patient customized induced pluripotent stem cell, so we can alter a damaged organ or tissue.

▲ differentiation

However, there are disadvantages to the organoid. It does not have immune cells and stem cell surrounding minuteness environment. It has a limitation of size because it is used as a method of cultivation which depends on culturing medium completely. Also, the culture system that uses metrizel has restriction of platform application and clinical use. Moreover, it causes an ethical problem which is used to a commercial purpose.

Now, you can feel that organoid is not good at all. However, there are some solutions to solve these disadvantages. Bioprinting technique can suggest a new alternative of improvement in the culture environment. Also, an alternative, which is based on hydrogels' temperament, is researched to solve the restriction. We also solve ethical issues to regulate the concept of security clearly. For these solutions, organoid can be influenced a lot in the medical system and can be used widely and beneficially in the future.

Sep. 7th, 2019

By Jin Hyun Hui