Abstract
Colorectal organoids, which accurately replicate the structure and function of the human colorectal epithelium, have become a valuable platform in a broad spectrum of fundamental biological research and clinical applications. This study employs bibliometric analysis to develop a knowledge domain map specifically focusing on colorectal organoid research. Articles were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 was utilized to analyze the literature, including outputs, journals, countries, institutions, authors, cocited authors, references, co-occurring terms, and burst terms. Subsequently, we examined prevailing research themes and focal points and identified potential future research directions within this domain. Between 2010 and 2025, a total of 719 articles related to colorectal organoid research were published. Among these, the journal Nature Communications published the highest number of papers. The United States and Utrecht University were identified as the most prolific country and institution, respectively. Hans Clevers emerged as the most prolific author, while Toshiro Sato had the highest number of cocitations, indicating that both are ideal candidates for academic collaboration. The research focus on colorectal organoids has evolved from basic biological characteristics to disease modeling and clinical applications, and further towards an in-depth exploration of functional mechanisms and precision medicines. The terms “patient-derived organoids”, “disease modeling”, “epithelial barrier”, and “personalized medicine” have garnered significant attention between 2020 and 2025, highlighting them as promising areas for future research. Research on colorectal organoids has achieved substantial progress, positioning itself as a vital interdisciplinary field that integrates fundamental biology with clinical medicine. Future studies should focus on optimizing organoid culture methodologies, exploring functional mechanisms, and expanding clinical applications—especially in disease modeling and personalized medicine.
Impact Statement
This study presents the first bibliometric visualization of global research on colorectal organoids spanning the period from 2010 to 2025, elucidating publication trends, identifying leading countries and institutions, highlighting key contributors, and examining academic collaborations. It underscores the progression from basic biology and disease modeling to clinical applications and precision medicine, aiming to optimize organoid culture, explore functional mechanisms, and broaden clinical applications.
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