Organoid-on-a-chip (OrgOC): Advancing cystic fibrosis research

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from impaired anion transport in the epithelium of multiple organs, thereby affecting various physiological functions throughout the body. The heterogeneity of CF complicates drug development, highlighting the growing importance of individualized therapies. CF patient-derived organoid models and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms are promising in vitro models for recapitulating CF pathology, owing to their high simulation fidelity, individualized therapeutic capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and high-throughput screening potential. This review systematically summarizes the technological development pathways of patient-derived organoids and OOC platforms for CF, along with recent advances in their applications to CF-related basic research, and particularly focuses on exploratory studies using organoid-on-a-chip (OrgOC) systems to elucidate CF pathogenesis and assess therapeutic approaches.