Protocol for a placenta-on-a-chip model using trophoblasts differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

Organ-on-a-chip technology incorporating stem cell techniques represents a promising strategy to improve modeling of human organs. Here, we present a protocol for generating a standardized 3D placenta-on-a-chip model using trophoblast derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We describe steps for seeding hiPSCs into multi-chip OrganoPlate devices and on-chip differentiation into trophoblasts against an extracellular matrix under perfused conditions. We then detail procedures for conducting a functional barrier integrity assay, immunostaining, and collecting protein or RNA for molecular analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lermant et al. (2023).¹.

Keywords: Biotechnology and bioengineering; Organoids; Systems biology.