Emulate is developing a wide range of organ chips and in vitro disease models. They can be used for an investigation the development of human diseases as well as the effects of pharmaceuticals, chemicals and foods on cells and further on organs and thus on humans. The company has already developed model systems for studies of lung, liver, intestine and skin, those for kidneys, heart and brain are currently in development. The systems can be used individually or in combination.

The artificial human organs grow naturally on a special membrane which is covered with extracellular matrix proteins. Various tissues are joined at the interface on epithelial and endothelial cells. A special feature is that the tissues are exposed to shear forces as they occurs in humans. So the extension movement of the lungs or peristaltic movements the intestine or flow movements in the capillaries can be adjusted. Immune and blood cell components can also be added in order to investigate the role of immune cells and inflammatory processes in healthy and diseased tissues.

A plan is, among others, to design individually tailored body-on-chip models with the patient's own cells - the iPS technology makes it possible. Thus, disease developments on an individual basis can be better predicted.

Sources:
https://emulatebio.com/press/emulate-inc-secures-28-million-series-b-financing/
https://emulatebio.com/insight/functionality/