Figure 1. Development and applications of human organoids.

a. Cells taken from an individual are programmed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSC colonies form embryoid bodies which are then embedded in the tissue scaffold for the 3D growth of tissue. The tissue is then cultured for several months as the organoid matures. b. (i) Organoids can be used to understand the key components of human organ development. (ii) The effectiveness of drugs against diseases can be tested on organoids. (iii) Patient-specific organoids can be used to model diseases. (iv) Organoids can be potentially used for cellular therapies. Figure 1a adapted from Mohamed et al.¹⁹ and Figure 1b adapted from Koo et al.²⁷.