Barrier Organ-on-chip Assay Resolution Explorer

About UstarFlowAI

UstarFlowAI helps you understand whether your barrier organ‑on‑chip (OOC) assay can reliably detect the permeability shifts that matter for your decision.

This interactive explorer implements the minimum detectable shift (MDS) and confidence framework described in our bioRxiv preprint. Enter your assay parameters to see how noise, replicate number, and decision thresholds affect your ability to detect small, exposure‑relevant signals.

Note: This tool provides preliminary, model‑based estimates for experimental planning of airway epithelial barrier monolayer. The model is updated based on experimental feedback as described in the preprint. The tool is not a substitute for experimental validation or regulatory testing and can be adopted for other barrier systems. Please contact to discuss specific use case.

Why it matters

1. In barrier‑limited programs (e.g., CNS/BBB), small permeability shifts can determine success or failure.
2. Barrier OOC assays often lack the resolution to reliably distinguish these small signals from noise.
3. UstarFlowAI makes this trade‑off explicit, so you can design better experiments and make more confident decisions.

Where UstarFlowAI fits in your workflow

1. Define the question
   • e.g., “Does compound X increase permeability by ≥10%?”
   • or “Can we detect a 5% shift in barrier integrity?”
2. Choose assay parameters
   • Chip parameters or technical CV,
   • Number of wells (N),
   • Expected noise (e.g. biological CV),
   • Decision threshold (e.g., 10% shift).
3. Run the assay
   • Collect permeability data.
4. Interpret results
   • Is the observed shift real or noise?
   • Do we advance, repeat, or stop?

<aside> 💡

UstarFlowAI fits at two key steps:

• Before the experiment (planning) → Step 2
• After the experiment (interpretation) → Step 4 </aside>

How to use it

1. Enter your assay parameters