Abstract
Both my technical and STS research centers around a shared, urgent question: how can we responsibly harness the transformative potential of organoid and embryoid technologies while safeguarding ethical integrity and public trust? This general problem is sociotechnical in nature as it cannot be solved by science or policy alone. Organoids and embryoids, small structures derived from stem cells that mimic tissues and embryonic development, create unprecedented opportunities and methods to model human development, study disease, and pioneer regenerative medicine. Yet, their increasing complexity and proximity to sentient human tissues raise social, ethical, and legal questions. My technical and STS projects approach this shared challenge from complementary angles, where my technical project seeks to optimize the biological engineering of these constructs, while my STS project interrogates the ethical and governance frameworks necessary to ensure their responsible use.
My technical research focused on the challenge of how to reliably and precisely grow organoids and embryoids without developmental errors. Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to replicate the intricate 3D architecture of human tissues, limiting their utility in modeling disease or testing therapies. To address this, I performed a systematic literature review of recent peer-reviewed studies and proposed a unified framework for organoid and embryoid cultivation. This framework emphasizes the use of biomimetic scaffolds that replicate the biochemical and mechanical cues of prenatal and adult tissue environments, enabling more accurate differentiation and tissue formation. I also highlighted the importance of microfluidic systems and bioreactors for controlled chemical delivery and viability, and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and single-cell screening to map developmental pathways. These innovations collectively support the creation of parallelized accurate models of human development and disease, advancing the prospect of personalized medicine and regenerative therapies.
In parallel, my STS research examined the ethical and governance challenges posed by organoid and embryoid research. Applying Actor-Network Theory (ANT), I mapped the complex web of relationships among scientists, donors, policymakers, commercial entities, and the biological constructs themselves. My analysis revealed that current ethical frameworks are ill-equipped to address emerging concerns such as the potential for rudimentary consciousness in brain organoids, the moral status of embryoids, and the subsequent commercialization of human-derived tissues. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature and international policy documents, I argued for the development of a unified oversight structure that incorporates dynamic consent models, limits on neuronal complexity, and precautionary review mechanisms. I also emphasized the importance of respecting donor autonomy, ensuring transparency in data use, and preparing for future ethical dilemmas as these technologies evolve. I believe that without such anticipatory governance, the field risks losing public trust and veering into ethically precarious territory.
Together, my projects contribute to a more holistic understanding of how to advance organoid and embryoid research responsibly. On the technical side, I proposed a framework that enhances the reliability and scalability of these models, while my STS work offers a roadmap for ethical oversight that evolves alongside scientific progress. I finally suggest and encourage future researchers to continue refining both the biological tools and the governance structures, ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability. Interdisciplinary collaboration—between bioengineers, ethicists, policymakers, and the public—will be essential to navigate the complex terrain ahead. As organoids and embryoids inch closer to clinical and cognitive thresholds, the need for integrated, forward-looking solutions becomes ever more pressing.
I would like to thank Professor Caitlin Wylie for designing a well-structured course that guided me step by step through the development of my sociotechnical projects and for offering clear, constructive feedback throughout the process. I am also deeply grateful to Professor Eli Zunder for his invaluable instruction in the “Stem Cell Engineering” course, for providing hands-on experience in organoid culture, and for introducing me to key literature that guided and shaped both my technical and STS research. Their mentorship and support were essential in helping me start and complete my thesis.
