Gut-on-a-Chip: From Biomimetic Design to Precision Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Gut-on-a-chip (GOC) platforms possess highly biomimetic architecture and precisely controlled microenvironments, offering powerful tools to recapitulate the intricate physiological conditions of the human intestine. In this review, we summarize the biomaterials employed in GOC systems and highlight innovations in biomimetic design, including microfluidic innovations, integration of organoids, vascularization, and 3D bioprinting. We introduce strategies for evaluating epithelial barrier function within GOC and review their applications in disease modeling, nanoformulation evaluation, personalized medicine, and gut–organ interaction. Finally, we discuss the key challenges of GOC in material optimization, reproducibility and standardization, real-time monitoring technology, intelligent data analysis, manufacturing scalability, cost-effectiveness, and clinical translation.