Researchers at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with the ICMR–National Institute for Research on Women’s Health (NIRWoH), have developed an indigenous placenta-on-chip platform that recreates the key functions of the human placenta. The innovation is expected to improve research on foetal development while offering a safer way to study pregnancy-related conditions and evaluate medicines for pregnant women.
A Safer Alternative for Pregnancy Research
The micro-engineered device mimics the interface between the mother and the foetus by reproducing essential placental functions, including hormone production, nutrient transfer, waste removal and selective barrier activity. Consequently, scientists can observe how substances move across the placenta under controlled laboratory conditions without relying extensively on animal models.
Potential to Improve Drug Safety
As per The Economic Times, the platform could help researchers assess the safety of medicines during pregnancy and deepen their understanding of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes. Moreover, the chip responds to conditions that resemble gestational diabetes, making it a valuable tool for studying maternal and foetal health.
Boost for Biomedical Innovation
The researchers believe the placenta-on-chip technology could accelerate biomedical research by providing a reliable laboratory model of the human placenta. Furthermore, the innovation may reduce dependence on animal testing while supporting the development of safer therapies for pregnant women and their babies.