Potential of bioprinted intestine-on-chip models in advancing understanding of human coronavirus infections and drug screening

Human coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), contribute to both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, necessitating a comprehensive approach to studying viral pathogenesis. In this context, bioprinted intestine-on-chip models offer a cutting-edge technology for closely replicating the tissue architecture and microenvironment of the human intestine, providing valuable insights into viral dynamics and host responses. Integration of intestinal organoids with organoid-on-chip technology enhances the accuracy of modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection by means of improving cellular differentiation and virus-binding receptor expression. Furthermore, bioprinting technology allows for automated fabrication, enabling high-throughput drug screening on the intestine-on-chip platform. These advancements in bioprinted intestine-on-chip models hold immense promise for advancing our understanding of coronavirus infection in the gut and accelerating drug development, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and public health measures.