Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Our field of Microphysiological Systems (MPS) is characterized by rapid evolution, with ongoing technological advancements driving our understanding of human biology and the development of predictive drug testing models, as well as applications in regenerative and personalized medicine. This rapid progress is made possible by the close collaboration between the academic and private sectors.
The Education Workshops of the MPS meeting are designed to facilitate the interaction between young scientists and established leaders in both the academic and company environment in our field through a combination of hands-on experience and discussions. Moreover, young investigators in our field frequently face the decision of pursuing a career path in academia or industry.
New this year: Participants will select one theme/group of hands-on presenters they wish to learn from and will rotate through that group over the duration of the workshop in approximately 45-minute intervals.
Group 1: Barriers (epithelial /vascular systems / BBB)
Focus: barrier function, vasculature, tissue interfaces
AlveoliX
AXBarrier-on-Chip Hands-On Workshop: Establishing and Optimizing Advanced Barrier Models
Brief description:
This training will provides participants with practical training on the AXBarrier-on-Chip System, a versatile organ-on-chip platform designed to replicate physiological barrier microenvironments, including dynamic mechanical cues such as breathing and peristaltic motion. The session will focus on the practical handling and setup of the system, guiding participants step-by-step through model establishment and operation. Special emphasis will be placed on experimental design, parameter adaptation, and the broad range of compatible readouts and applications. The training will cover:
- Initial system preparation and chip filling
- Step-by-step workflow for establishing a functional barrier model
- Adaptation of mechanical and experimental parameters to mimic different organ barriers
- Troubleshooting common experimental challenges
The trainees will learn:
Main objective: Discover and practice Organ-on-Chip (OoC) principles applied to barrier models.
At the end, participants will:
- Learn how to work with a plug-and-play organ-on-chip system
- Gain insight into how to establish and optimize a functional barrier model
- Select fit-for-purpose readouts to assess barrier function
- Evaluate model transferability and reproducibility
- Understand key applications in drug safety, drug efficacy, and inhalation toxicology
Emulate, Inc.
Building and Applying a Five-Cell, iPSC-Derived Neurovascular Unit Model for CNS Drug Testing
Brief description:
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies combined with microphysiological systems (MPS) offer new opportunities to model complex tissue interfaces relevant to drug development. The neurovascular unit (NVU), which governs blood–brain barrier (BBB) function and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, remains particularly challenging to replicate in vitro due to its multicellular architecture and dynamic cell–cell interactions.
This workshop will present the development and characterization of a five-cell, isogenic iPSC-derived NVU model cultured within a perfused Organ-Chip platform. Participants will examine how cellular organization, tight junction formation, transporter expression, and cytokine responsiveness can be assessed using immunofluorescence imaging, permeability measurements, and gene expression analyses. Through guided discussion of representative datasets, attendees will explore how stem cell–derived NVU models can be applied to study BBB transport mechanisms, neuroinflammatory processes, and therapeutic modulation relevant to CNS drug development.
The trainees will learn:
Trainees will gain practical insights into the following:
- To describe the structural and functional components of the human neurovascular unit and their roles in maintaining BBB integrity and CNS homeostasis.
- How to explain the rationale for using isogenic, iPSC-derived multicellular systems to model complex human tissue interfaces relevant to regenerative medicine.
- How to understand how microfluidic perfusion and compartmentalized culture environments support endothelial barrier formation and neurovascular signaling.
- How to interpret functional and molecular readouts of BBB integrity, including apparent permeability (Papp), tight junction marker expression, transporter profiling, and cytokine secretion.
- Evaluation strategies for maintaining and assessing resting versus activated glial states in stem cell–derived CNS models.
- How to critically compare stem cell–based MPS models with traditional in vitro and in vivo approaches, identifying appropriate applications and limitations in translational CNS research.
Group 2: Immune (immune-competent / inflammation / immune interaction models)
Focus: immune components, inflammation, immune–tissue interaction
InSphero
Adding Immune Competence to 3D In Vitro Disease Models: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Biological Complexity and Scalability Using Akura™ and Gri3D® Technology
Brief description:
Many drugs in development address the complex interaction between immune cells and organs. As such, InSphero has established Akura™, Gri3D® Technologies and 3D InSight™ Microtissues, which allow the addition of immune competence to 3D models. While immunology is complex, InSphero does not compromise on reproducibility and scalability. We would like to share our concepts and experiences on how to address these questions:
- Introduction into Akura™ and Gri3D® Technology
- How immune-mediated drug-induced liver toxicity (e.g., bispecific antibodies) can be modeled using the Akura™ Twin Microplate by co-culturing tumor and liver microtissues with immune cells under gravity-driven flow.
- How immune cell attachment to 3D tissues can be modeled using the Akura™ Immune Flow Platform, a long-term immune cell perfusion platform. Cells in suspension are constantly kept under gravity-driven flow, circulating around 3D microtissues.
The trainees will learn:
- How to design experiments for studying immune competence in vitro.
- Concepts for utilizing engineering solutions to overcome biological challenges in disease modeling.
- The scalability and automation potential of these systems in industrial applications.
REVIVO BioSystems
ReleGO ex vivo and in vitro Microfluidics Platform—Advanced Permeation and Efficacy Preclinical Studies
Brief description:
ReleGO ex vivo and in vitro Microfluidics Platform – Advanced Permeation and Efficacy Preclinical Studies
The trainees will learn:
- How ReleGO enables high-translatability results in ex vivo/in vitro preclinical testing
- The process for performing advanced permeation and long-term culture protocols
- How REVskin functionalized models help to generate robust scientific data for pre-clinical R&D
University of Helsinki
Beyond MPS 2.0: Microfabrication Of Complex 3D Dynamic Structures: How Advancements in Materials and Manufacturing are Enabling Stem Cell Research at Scale
Brief description:
Currently, most microphysiological system (MPS) systems are 2D or 2.5D cell culture platforms or use asymmetric self-assembled organoids. This overlooks the importance of factors such as 3D topological cues, cell polarity and biochemical cues present in stem cell-microenvironment (niche). Factors necessary for developing a functional organ-on-chip system. I am developing advanced materials for technologies such as 2P-AM, µ-stereolithography for fabrication of cell scale 3D structures with complex geometries mimicking cell-niche. These structures are 3D patterned with bioactive molecules to incorporate unprecedented functionalities. I have developed a morphologically and geometrically accurate gut-on-chip system having highly organized 3D crypt-villi axis. In comparison to the asymmetric organoid systems this system provides a geometrically organized platform. Enabling culture of intestinal stem cells in-vitro at scale, under static or dynamic conditions using the integrated microfluidic system. We observed that presentation of physical and biochemical cues in spatiotemporal manner maintains in-vivo cellular organization on the chip. More advances in materials and fabrication technologies are required to develop such next generation MPS. Such MPS will enable to more accurately study, cell differentiation, tissue organization and drug absorption from intestines under conditions where its integrity is compromised such as IBD, cancer, infection and chemotherapy.
The trainees will learn:
During the presentation, participants will be able to learn about
- Advanced microfabrication technologies.
- Advanced additive manufacturing (e.g. two photon-, microstereolithography, soft lithography).
- Designing and simulation studies of advanced geometrically accurate organoid culture platforms.
- Advanced materials development for developing such platforms.
Group 3: Multiorgan (multi-organ MPS / systemic models)
Focus: interconnected organ systems, systemic biology
CN Bio
How to More Accurately Predict Human ADME/Bioavailability using Microphysiological Systems
Brief description:
The hands-on course will focus on the challenges and benefits around developing multi-organ solutions for investigating ADME/bioavailability to facilitate better informed decision making ahead of in vivo animal studies.
Presenters will discuss:
The need for human-focused dual-organ in vitro models in ADME/bioavailability research
- How to connect two organs together in a “friendly to both organ model” environment
- How to run ADME/bioavailability experiments to better understand orally and IV dosed drug kinetics
- How these solutions impact the efficiency and cost effectiveness of drug discovery workflows
The trainees will learn:
- The limitations of traditional methodologies and current MPS platforms and how to overcome them
- Gain insight on how multi-organ models can improve ADME/bioavailability predictions
- Explore how easily MPS can be integrated into standard workflows
SynVivo Inc.
Modeling Systemic Inflammation and Neuroimmune Crosstalk Using Vascularly Linked Lung–Gut–BBB Multi-Organ-on-Chip Platforms with Integrated TEER sensorsy
Brief description:
This educational workshop will introduce participants to immune-competent, vascularized multi-organ microphysiological systems (MPS) that integrate lung–BBB and gut–BBB platforms to model systemic inflammation, immune trafficking, and neurovascular responses. A central focus will be the use of embedded transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) electrodes to enable noninvasive, real-time measurement of barrier integrity alongside immune and metabolic readouts. The workshop will cover platform design, incorporation of whole blood and immune cells, and integration of functional sensors, including embedded TEER electrodes to assess BBB integrity. Participants will explore how cytokine profiling, endothelial activation markers, leukocyte adhesion assays, and TEER measurements can be combined to generate a multidimensional view of immune-vascular interactions. Emphasis will be placed on experimental design, assay integration, and interpretation of dynamic barrier responses under inflammatory conditions, with applications in drug testing, vaccine evaluation, and disease modeling.
The trainees will learn:
Trainees will gain experience with the following:
- How lung–BBB and gut–BBB MPS models enable mechanistic study of peripheral-to-brain immune signaling and barrier modulation.
- To design immune-competent vascularized MPS experiments incorporating whole blood, PBMCs, and physiologically relevant flow.
- How to use embedded TEER measurements to quantitatively assess BBB integrity, barrier modulation, and recovery during inflammatory and immune challenges.
- To select and interpret key biological readouts, including cytokines, chemokines, endothelial activation markers, immune cell adhesion, oxygen dynamics, and TEER.
- To apply multi-organ MPS platforms to drug testing, vaccine safety evaluation, and modeling inflammation-associated neurovascular risk.
TissUse GmbH
Bridging the Gap: Hands-On Training on Connecting Barrier and Parenchymal Organ Models for Permeation and Drug Metabolism Research
Brief description:
In this immersive course, participants will delve into the details of working with diverse chip designs for co-culturing up to four distinct organ models within a single microfluidic circulation system. A key focus will be on integrating liver models into multi-organ combinations, enabling participants to study liver interactions with other organs (e.g., gut, kidney, or immune cells) in a physiologically relevant context. The expert presenter will illuminate the dynamic flow of medium within the chip, facilitating the smooth transport of metabolites and organ-specific products between different organ models.
The trainees will learn:
This opportunity empowers participants to effortlessly integrate various organ models, including barrier models, 3D models, and 2D models, into the versatile chip system. Following this, participants can seamlessly link the chips to the Starter (control unit) to initiate the culture, unlocking a hands-on experience that merges theory with practical application. This course ensures that learning to use the HUMIMIC Chip is not only insightful but also remarkably user-friendly for scientists seeking to effortlessly integrate it into their research.
Group 4: Device Technologies (platforms, hardware, enabling tech)
Focus: microfluidics, oxygen control, platform engineering
Dynamic42GmbH
Dynamic42GmbHTEER & Oxygen: Real-Time Insights in Organ-on-Chip
Brief description:
In advanced organ-on-chip systems, structural and cellular complexity has reached a level where static endpoint analyses are no longer sufficient to capture the true dynamics of tissue behavior. Live readouts address this limitation by enabling the continuous tracking of tissue function throughout the experimental time course. This allows researchers to observe how tissues develop, respond to stimuli, lose function, or recover—all within the same biological replicate. This dramatically increases the informational yield per chip, especially where biological material is limited.
In this hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to track tissue fitness in a chip using transepithelial or transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and real-time oxygen measurements. TEER is a non-invasive method used to monitor the integrity of barrier tissues such as the intestinal epithelium or the blood–brain barrier. In the Dynamic42 biochip, such barrier tissues are assembled by seeding various cell types on porous membranes that can later be exposed to microfluidic flow. This membrane-based architecture enables TEER measurements directly across the tissue in-chip, allowing researchers to follow the formation and maturation of these barrier structures over time, to observe how they react to shear stress or inflammatory stimuli, and to detect barrier disruption due to disease or drug exposure.
The trainees will learn:
- How to identify when to apply live readouts in organ-on-chip experiments and explain how TEER and oxygen measurements are used to monitor tissue integrity.
- How to handle a Dynamic42 biochip accurately, including pipetting into ports, seeding cells onto the membrane, and assembling a perfusion setup.
- How to connect the DynamicOrgan® O2 and TEER measurement equipment to the chip.
- How to perform a simple TEER or oxygen readout, observing in practice how the measurement workflow operates.
- How to interpret the resulting TEER or oxygen signal.
innoVitro GmbH
From 2D Systems to 3D Cultures and Organoids: Applying High-Throughput Mechanobiology for In Vitro Disease Modeling
Brief description:
This hands-on course will focus on the importance of the mechanical environment of 2D, 3D, and organoid-based in vitro systems for assessing physiological and pathophysiological drug responses using healthy and disease models. Participants will learn how biomechanical cues shape healthy and diseased tissues across increasing levels of biological complexity, enabling more predictive preclinical research. Trainees will be introduced to core principles of mechanobiology – illustrated by concepts such as the Frank–Starling mechanism and stretch-sensitive cellular components – and how these factors contribute to disease modeling in monolayer cultures, 3D tissue-like constructs, and organoid systems. Through hands-on demonstrations, participants will work with multiwell platforms (various well formats) to control and quantify mechanical conditions in cell cultures, simulating both healthy and disease-like states.
Representative results will be presented and discussed, highlighting the impact of altered mechanical environments in conditions such as cardiomyopathies and atrial fibrillation. Participants will explore physiological and supra-physiological stretch levels in with human-relevant mechanical properties, observing stretch-induced effects at both macroscopic and cellular scales. This course will equip participants with the practical expertise to implement mechanobiology-based approaches across 2D, 3D, and organoid systems for drug testing in healthy and diseased contexts, strengthening in vitro to in vivo translatability.
The trainees will learn:
- Basic principles and considerations of in vitro mechanobiology (e.g., elasticity, plasticity, physiological stress and stretch levels) for 2D, 3D, and organoid systems
- The importance of the cellular mechanical environment for both physiological and disease model-based drug responses.
- Hands-on experience with 24-96 well cell culture systems for physiological mechanical stimulation and the measurement of contractile responses.
Organ-on-chip Centre Twente (OoCCT), University of Twente
The Translational Organ-on-Chip Platform (TOP): An ISO-driven Modular Microfluidics System for Organ-on-Chip Development
Brief description:
This hands-on, educational training session will educate participants on the operation and design of ISO-drive, modular organ-on-chip platforms through STARTER, a TOP-based open-sourced system for OoC applications. We will impart our experience on how to implement ISO 22916 designs with exemplary TOP-complaint modules. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the need for standardization within the field of organ-on-chip and of the open-source community that is in development.
- Basic principles and considerations of in vitro mechanobiology (e.g., elasticity, plasticity, physiological stress and stretch levels) for 2D, 3D and organoid systems
- The importance of the cellular mechanical environment for both physiological and disease model-based drug responses.
- Hands-on experience with 24-96 well cell culture systems for physiological mechanical stimulation and the measurement of contractile responses.
The trainees will learn:
- How to apply open design standards to organ-on-chip devices
- Design requirements and interfacing methods for modular microfluidics
- Benefits of modular microfluidics for experiments and experimental end-points
- Stakeholder roles in the development of TOP and organ-on-chip standards