Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has experienced exponential growth driven by the need for a better understanding of in-organ processes and the development of novel approaches. This paper investigates and compares the flow behavior and filling characteristics of two microfluidic liver-on-a-chip devices using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and experimental cell culture growth based on the Huh7 cell line. The conducted computational analyses for the two chips showed that the elliptical chamber chip proposed herein offers improved flow and filling characteristics in comparison with the previously presented circular chamber chip. Huh7 hepatoma cells were cultured in the microfluidic devices for 24 h under static fluidic conditions and for 24 h with a flow rate of 3 μL·min⁻¹. Biocompatibility, continuous flow, and biomarker studies showed cell attachment in the chips, confirming the cell viability and their consistent cell growth. The study successfully analyzed the fluid flow behavior, filling characteristics, and biocompatibility of liver-on-a-chip prototype devices, providing valuable insights to improve design and performance and advance alternative methods of in vitro testing.

Membranes play a key role in many organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms due to nutrient and mass transport, barrier formation, and mechanical signaling. However, despite their key role in OOC devices, the relationship between membrane design parameters and device performance is limited in the literature. Here, this review gives a critical overview of not only the types of membranes for OOC devices (natural, synthetic, hybrid, and emerging functional membranes) but also defines the key engineering design requirements for the selection and integration of membranes with microfluidic OOC platforms. Additionally, it presents types of organ-specific OOC devices (lung, kidney, liver, blood–brain barrier, and intestine models), highlighting existing challenges and limitations in the fabrication of such platforms. The paper also presents future directions toward smart, multifunctional membranes.