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Evaluating Regional Pulmonary Deposition using Patient-Specific 3D Printed Lung Models
Published on: November 11, 2020
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Evaluating Regional Pulmonary Deposition using Patient-Specific 3D Printed Lung Models.
Emma L Peterman1, Emily L Kolewe1, Catherine A Fromen2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|November 30, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a 3D-printed lung model for precise aerosol delivery testing. This high-throughput system enhances preclinical research for personalized respiratory disease therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preclinical testing for pulmonary disease therapies is limited in predicting regional aerosol delivery.
- Developing patient-specific lung models is crucial for advancing personalized respiratory medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a high-throughput, in vitro experimental setup for quantifying lobular pulmonary aerosol deposition.
- To enable precise control over airflow to individual lung lobes for accurate drug delivery prediction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 3D printing to create patient-specific lung models.
- Integrating commercially available and 3D-printed components for a versatile experimental setup.
- Employing fluorescence microscopy to measure fluorescent aerosol deposition in each lung lobe.
Main Results:
- The system allows independent control of airflow rate to each lung lobe.
- Demonstrated ability to model diverse patient demographics and disease states.
- Successfully incorporated clinically relevant drug delivery devices, such as endotracheal tubes.
Conclusions:
- This 3D-printed lung model system significantly enhances the rigor of preclinical therapeutic testing for respiratory diseases.
- The setup's versatility supports personalized medicine by accurately predicting aerosol delivery across various patient profiles and inhalation conditions.
- Facilitates the development of targeted therapies for pulmonary conditions.
