In this review we offer a guide to organ-on-chip (OoC) technologies, covering the full experimental pipeline, from organoid derivation and culture, through microfluidic device fabrication and design strategies, to perfusion systems and data acquisition with AI-assisted analysis. At each stage, we highlight both the advantages and limitations, providing a balanced perspective that aids experimental planning and decision-making. By integrating insights from stem cell biology, bioengineering, and computational analytics, this review presents a compilation of the state of the art of OoC research. It emphasizes practical considerations for experimental design, reproducibility, and functional readouts while also exploring applications in human and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, key technical challenges, standardization issues, and regulatory considerations are discussed, offering readers a clear roadmap for advancing both foundational studies and translational applications of OoC systems.
Organoids are three-dimensional multicellular structures that mimic key aspects of native tissues consisting ideal tools to study organ development and pathophysiology when incorporated in customized bioscaffolds. In vivo, the extracellular matrix (ECM) maintains tissue integrity and regulates cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and survival through biochemical and mechanical signals. Tissue-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) can preserve organ-specific biochemical signals and cell-adhesive motifs, creating a bioactive environment that supports physiologically relevant organoid growth. 3D bioprinting technology marks a transformative phase in organoid research by enhancing the structural and functional complexity of organoid models and expanding their application in pharmacology and regenerative medicine. These systems enhance tissue modeling and drug testing while adhering to the principles of animal replacement, reduction, and refining (3Rs) in research. Remaining challenges include donor variability, limited mechanical stability, and the lack of standardized decellularization protocols that can be addressed by adopting quality and safety metrics. The combination of dECM-based biomaterials and 3D bioprinting holds great potential for the development of human-relevant, customizable, and ethically sound in vitro models for regenerative medicine and personalized therapies. In this review, we discuss the latest (2021–2025) developments in applying extracellular matrix bioprinting techniques to organoid technology, presenting examples for the most commonly referenced organoid types.