Ethical Challenges and Governance Strategies for Microphysiological Systems Technology

Microphysiological Systems (MPS) have emerged as a transformative platform in biomedical research, enabling the investigation of disease mechanisms, drug screening, and toxicity prediction by closely simulating human physiological functions. However, the rapid advancement of MPS technology has raised a series of complex ethical challenges. These include the sourcing and application of human-derived stem cells, the protection of donors' personal and genetic data, the potential for brain organoids to develop consciousness-like characteristics, and the challenges to species boundaries posed by human-animal chimera research. Meanwhile, although regulatory authorities encourage innovation, specialized certification standards and ethical review guidelines for MPS are yet to be fully established. The lack of technical standardization and a coherent ethical governance framework remain a major bottleneck hindering the broader application and industrialization of MPS. This review systematically outlines the key ethical issues facing MPS, compares the evolution and differences in international ethical regulatory frameworks, and discusses strategies for addressing these challenges-including the establishment of dynamic ethical governance mechanisms, harmonization of international standards, and the promotion of benefit-sharing and public engagement. Finally, we highlight the need to develop a scientific, unified, and actionable ethical governance system that balances technological innovation with responsible translation, supporting the sustainable development of MPS technology.