Convergence of Ocular Organoids and Microfluidic Platforms for Advanced Disease Modeling and Drug Screening: Next Generation Eye Models Publisher



Hosseini F ; Madani F ; Aghaei G ; Ilka R ; Mirzaei M ; Alemzadeh S A ; Pourdakan O ; Naseripour M ; Ghasemi Falavarjani K ; Shahsavarani H ; Mehravi B
Source: Materials Today Advances Published:2026

Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived ocular organoids are three-dimensional (3D) models that capture key features of human eye development and function. They are increasingly used to explore developmental processes, uncover disease mechanisms, and support therapeutic discovery for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. However, challenges including limited vascularization, incomplete functional maturation, and batch-to-batch variability continue to constrain their broader adoption, particularly in regulatory contexts where fit for purpose qualification within a defined Context of Use (CoU) is essential. Microfluidic organ on chip technologies help overcome these limitations by recreating critical aspects of the ocular microenvironment, such as compartmentalized tissue organization, controlled molecular transport, and physiologically relevant biochemical and biophysical cues. When combined with ocular organoids, these systems provide tighter control over the cellular milieu and enable the modeling of complex disease processes, including blood–retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction and pathological angiogenesis. This integration improves the reliability and scalability of experimental systems, but also enables high-throughput drug screening and more personalized approaches to therapeutic evaluation. We compiled recent developments in ocular organoid platforms platforms and highlights how microfluidic incorporation increases their suitability for translation. The hybrid systems are also analyzed within Context of Use (CoU) frameworks, offering a path for bridging early-stage laboratory work with eventual regulatory approval. © 2026 The Authors