3D intestinal models towards a more realistic permeability screening

Abstract The traditional intestinal models used to evaluate permeability are based on cell monolayers seeded on Transwell insert systems. However, these 2D monocultures are normally static, lack the intestinal architecture, do not represent the different intestinal cell types and the expression of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes are different from what is observed in vivo. In this sense, and in a way to reduce animal experiments, new 3D structures such as scaffolds, hydrogels, intestines-on-a-chip or organoids to mimic the human intestine have been developed. This review intends to describe 3D structures that can be used to test intestinal permeability of drugs, molecules or nanosystems.