Researchers from the National Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health (ICMR) and IIT Bombay have developed a "Placenta on a Chip" technology [1].

This innovation allows scientists to replicate the complex functions of the human placenta within a controlled laboratory setting. By simulating how the placenta operates, researchers can better understand how nutrients, waste, and medications move between a pregnant person and a developing fetus.

The technology focuses on the key functions of the human placenta [1]. In a natural pregnancy, the placenta acts as a critical interface, filtering what reaches the fetus and providing essential oxygen, and nutrients. Studying this process in a lab reduces the reliance on limited human tissue samples and provides a more precise environment for testing.

Collaborations between ICMR and IIT Bombay have enabled the integration of biological research and engineering to create this microfluidic system [1]. The system is designed to mimic the physical and chemical environment of the womb, allowing for the observation of placental barriers in real time.

Scientists can now use this platform to investigate how specific drugs or toxins might cross the placental barrier [1]. This capability is essential for determining the safety of medications administered during pregnancy, as it identifies whether substances reach the fetus and in what concentrations.

The research is currently ongoing at laboratories within both institutions [1]. The team aims to refine the chip's accuracy to further mirror human biological responses, which could lead to more personalized prenatal care and improved safety protocols for maternal medicine.

“Researchers have developed a technology called 'Placenta on a Chip' to replicate human placental functions.”

The development of an organ-on-a-chip model for the placenta addresses a significant gap in prenatal pharmacology. Because ethical and practical constraints limit the study of live human placentas, this technology provides a scalable, ethical alternative to test drug toxicity and nutrient transfer. If successful, it could drastically reduce the risk of birth defects caused by unknown drug interactions during pregnancy.