Organ-on-a-chip

The Three R (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) principles developed over 60 years ago provide a framework for more humane lab animal testing and, more importantly, less of it. A range of in-vitro model systems that might one day replace animal-based programmes is now out there, but only recently has the use of multi-organ chips gained serious momentum. High tech developments are increasingly allowing the replication of human tissues and organs for testing purposes.