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Background: The placenta is a temporary organ that develops throughout pregnancy, connecting a developing fetus to the maternal uterine wall. The placenta’s structure is species specific and complex, resulting in recent advancements with in vitro models to help study this dynamic organ. The main cell type composing the placenta, trophoblast cells, serve several roles and have been incorporated within biomaterials and devices to recapitulate the placental microenvironment. Summary: This review highlights in vitro 2D, 3D, and on-a-chip models of two placental interfaces: the interface between the endometrium and extravillous trophoblast cells and the interface between the chorionic villi and intervillous space. First, an overview of placental cell types and in vitro model types used in the discussed studies is provided. Next, models of invasive trophoblasts cells at the endometrium where the placenta is anchored and the spiral arteries are remodeled are discussed. Next, the review highlights models of the chorionic villi and intervillous space, an interface where cytotrophoblast cells fuse into syncytiotrophoblasts. Finally, we discuss key takeaways and future directions in creating representative placental models.Key Messages: The combination of biomaterial and engineering approaches has led to the development of physiologically relevant models, allowing placental trophoblast functions to be investigated with more clarity. Each cell type (e.g. trophoblast cell line vs. stem cells vs. primary placental cells) and biomaterial system (e.g. organoid vs. on-a-chip) that is selected for a given model has a unique combination of advantages and limitations, which are detailed within this review. Overall, the placental models discussed enable trophoblast cell behavior to be studied in vitro with the inclusion of extracellular matrix materials, growth factors, and other environmental cues. While one model alone does not fully recapitulate every function of the placenta, individual models are tailored to inform on specific placental trophoblast behaviors. 

2-R-1 H -1,3-Benzazaphospholes (R-BAPs) are an interesting class of σ 2 P heterocycles containing PC bonds. While closely related 2-R-1,3-benzoxaphospholes (R-BOPs) have been shown to be highly photoluminescent materials depending on specific R substituents, photoluminescence of R-BAPs has been previously limited to an example having a fused carbazole ring system. Here we detail the synthesis and structural characterization of a new R-BAP (3c, R = 2,2′-dithiophene), and compare its photoluminescence against two previously reported R-BAPs (3a, R, R′ = Me and 3b, R = 2-thiophene). The significant fluorescence displayed by the thiophene derivatives 3b ( φ = 0.53) and 3c ( φ = 0.12) stands in contrast to the weakly emissive methyl substituted analogue 3a ( φ = 0.08). Comparative computational investigations of 3a–c offer insights into the interplay between structure–function relationships affecting excited state relaxation processes.