A lung-on-a-chip array with an integrated bio-inspired respiration mechanism

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pulmonary Physiology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• The lung's alveolar barrier is crucial for gas exchange.
• Mimicking in vivo mechanical forces, like breathing-induced strain, is vital for accurate lung modeling.
• Existing models often fail to replicate the dynamic mechanical environment of the lung parenchyma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a lung-on-a-chip array that accurately simulates the pulmonary parenchymal environment.
• To investigate the effects of cyclic strain on alveolar barrier function and cell behavior.
• To provide a robust and user-friendly platform for pulmonary research.

Main Methods:

• Engineered a lung-on-a-chip device featuring a micro-diaphragm for cyclic strain application.
• Utilized reversible bonding for precise cell culture control on both sides of a stretchable membrane.
• Co-cultured human pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells to form an alveolar barrier model.
• Assessed changes in barrier permeability, cell metabolic activity, and cytokine secretion under cyclic strain.

Main Results:

• The lung-on-a-chip array successfully mimicked the alveolar barrier and breathing-induced mechanical strain.
• Cyclic strain significantly altered the permeability of epithelial cell layers.
• Mechanical strain influenced the metabolic activity and cytokine secretion of primary human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed lung-on-a-chip device effectively replicates key aspects of the lung's mechanical environment.
• Mechanical strain is a critical factor influencing alveolar barrier function and cell physiology.
• This platform holds significant potential for advancing pulmonary research and understanding lung diseases.