About this Research Topic
In recent years, researchers in traditional medicine have sought interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists in mechanobiology, biomedical engineering, and computer science. Microfluidic technology allows researchers to manipulate small volumes of fluids, often at the micrometer scale, in controlled environments. This technology can be used to recreate the microenvironment of cells and tissues, study the interactions between cells and drugs, and simulate physiological and pathological conditions. Organoids are three-dimensional structures that mimic the complexity and function of human organs and can be used to simulate disease states and drug responses. In addition, 3D printing can mimic the architecture and mechanical properties of tissues and organs and create customized drug delivery systems. Combined with artificial intelligence, innovation in the field of virtual screening contributes to an increase in both efficiency and accuracy in the process of discovering new drugs. Currently, researchers have used liver organoids and microfluidic platforms to study the effects of traditional medicines on liver function and metabolism, artificial intelligence and 3D printing technology have also been applied to traditional medicine preparations and precision medication.
The goal of this research topic is to provide a platform to advance research on the mechanisms of traditional medicine and drug development. Through the use of microfluidics, organoids, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and other technologies, we can provide further evidence to explain the connotation of traditional medicine with modern scientific and technological methods and tools, thus promoting the integration of traditional medicine into modern medicine.
We welcome submissions of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Methods, and Perspectives that focus on, but are not limited to, the following potential subtopics:
• Applications of Microfluidics, Organoids, Artificial Intelligence, and 3D printing in the research of traditional medicine, such as the evaluation of pharmacodynamic and toxic effects, and further understanding of the mechanism of action.
• Applications in the field of drug development.
• Future trends and directives for research on new technologies and tools in traditional medicine.
The experimental subjects could be animals, patients, and cell models. All submissions to the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology using plant extracts or preparations must also adhere to the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version here). Importantly, please ascertain that the ethnopharmacological context is clearly described (pillar 3d) and that the material investigated is characterized in detail (pillars 2 a and b).
Please note the following:
1) All studies must use a therapeutically realistic dose level, and the data must be reported on the basis of the amount of extract administered. Single-dose studies are not accepted unless they focus on a species/compound not yet studied in detail and can be justified on specific ethical grounds (e.g. the 4R rule - Reduce, refine, replace – responsibility, see the Four Pillars).
2) A detailed chemical profile of the extract and pharmacognostic definition of the botanical drugs used is essential, as defined in the ConPhyMP statement 2022 (Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205.)
3 ) In silico studies like network analysis or docking studies are outside of the scope of the section and of Frontiers in Pharmacology.
Keywords: Traditional medicine, drug development, microfluidics, organoids, 3D printing, action mechanism, research methodology, artificial intelligence
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.