Application of microfluidic technologies in veterinary science with a view toward development of animal‐on‐a‐chip models

Abstract

The advancement of veterinary science relies on the adoption of modern technologies, more recently including molecular diagnostics, genomic research, precision medicine approaches, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Recent advancements in microfluidics have brought tremendous attention to human disease modeling, diagnosis, and drug development. Specifically, organ‐on‐a‐chip, a subset of microfluidic technology, is characterized by its ability to mimic the human in vivo microenvironment and improve cost efficiency in drug development. Recent studies have demonstrated huge potential in translating human‐centered microfluidic technologies to veterinary science, which can help to deepen our understanding of animal diseases and disorders and develop targeted treatments for diverse animal species, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. Further, the ongoing impact of climate change has heightened the threat of diseases among animal populations as well as the potential impact of zoonotic pathogens. New tools for in‐depth exploration of animal physiologies and diseases are essential to mitigate the risk of species extinction and safeguard animal well‐being. Building upon the achievements in human‐based microfluidic studies, we propose the comprehensive integration of this technology into veterinary research. This review provides an overview of microfluidic technology, its current applications in veterinary science, and discusses future directions and challenges toward the development of animal‐on‐a‐chip systems.