Joint-on-a-chip (JOC) models are powerful tools that aid in osteoarthritis (OA) research. These microfluidic devices apply emerging organ-on-a-chip technology to recapitulate a multifaceted joint tissue microenvironment. JOCs address the need for advanced, dynamic in vitro models that can mimic the in vivo tissue environment through joint-relevant biomechanical or fluidic integration, an aspect that existing in vitro OA models lack. There are existing review articles on OA models that focus on animal, tissue explant, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including microbioreactors and 3D printing technology, but there has been limited discussion of JOC models. The aim of this article is to review recent developments in human JOC technology and identify gaps for future advancements. Specifically, mechanical stimulation systems that mimic articular movement, multi-joint tissue cultures that enable crosstalk, and systems that aim to capture aspects of OA inflammation by incorporating immune cells are covered. The development of an advanced JOC model that captures the dynamic joint microenvironment will improve testing and translation of potential OA therapeutics.

芯片关节 (JOC) 模型是帮助骨关节炎 (OA) 研究的强大工具。这些微流体装置应用新兴的片上器官技术来概括多方面的关节组织微环境。 JOC 满足了对先进的动态体外模型的需求，这些模型可以通过关节相关的生物力学或流体集成来模拟体内组织环境，这是现有体外OA 模型所缺乏的一个方面。现有关于 OA 模型的综述文章主要关注动物、组织外植体以及二维和三维 (3D) 培养系统，包括微生物反应器和 3D 打印技术，但对 JOC 模型的讨论有限。本文的目的是回顾人类 JOC 技术的最新发展，并找出未来进步的差距。具体来说，涵盖了模拟关节运动的机械刺激系统、实现串扰的多关节组织培养，以及旨在通过整合免疫细胞来捕获 OA 炎症方面的系统。开发捕捉动态关节微环境的先进 JOC 模型将改善潜在 OA 疗法的测试和转化。