Construction, evaluation, and applications of renal barrier-on-a-chip system

Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology offers a transformative approach to modeling the human renal barrier, overcoming limitations of traditional animal and two-dimensional cell models. This review systematically outlines the construction and evaluation of renal barrier biochips, focusing on the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB), tubular reabsorption barrier (TRB), and collecting duct regulatory barrier (CDRB). OoC platforms integrate biomimetic materials, simulate dynamic microenvironments, and use multicellular co-culture strategies. This enables them to closely replicate the structural and functional characteristics of renal barriers. Key evaluation metrics-including structural biomimicry, barrier integrity, and active transport functions-are discussed to validate model performance. The technology demonstrates significant potential in drug nephrotoxicity prediction, disease mechanism investigation, and regenerative medicine. Despite challenges in material properties and long-term functional maintenance, ongoing advancements in OoC design and integration are poised to enhance its application in precision medicine and kidney disease research.