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An Insight on Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Models for PM2.5-Induced Pulmonary Complications
Disha Shah1, Bhavarth Dave1, Mehul R Chorawala1
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India.
Abstract:
Pulmonary diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer pose a significant burden to global human health. Many of these complications arise as a result of exposure to particulate matter (PM), which has been examined in several preclinical and clinical trials for its effect on several respiratory diseases. Particulate matter of size less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been known to inflict unforeseen repercussions, although data from epidemiological studies to back this are pending. Conventionally utilized two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and preclinical animal models have provided insufficient benefits in emulating the in vivo physiological and pathological pulmonary conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) structural models, including organ-on-a-chip models, have experienced a developmental upsurge in recent times. Lung-on-a-chip models have the potential to simulate the specific features of the lungs. With the advancement of technology, an emerging and advanced technique termed microfluidic organ-on-a-chip has been developed with the aim of identifying the complexity of the respiratory cellular microenvironment of the body. In the present Review, the role of lung-on-a-chip modeling in reproducing pulmonary complications has been explored, with a specific emphasis on PM2.5-induced pulmonary complications.
Insights
Lung-on-a-chip models offer advanced insights into respiratory diseases caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This review explores their potential in understanding and modeling PM2.5-induced pulmonary complications.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pulmonary diseases like asthma and lung cancer significantly impact global health.
- Exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, is linked to respiratory issues.
- Traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models inadequately replicate in vivo lung conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of lung-on-a-chip models in simulating pulmonary complications.
- To specifically examine the role of these advanced models in understanding PM2.5-induced lung damage.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on lung-on-a-chip technology.
- Focus on microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems for respiratory research.
- Analysis of studies investigating PM2.5 effects on lung models.
Main Results:
- Three-dimensional (3D) organ-on-a-chip models, including lung-on-a-chip, are emerging as superior alternatives to conventional models.
- These advanced models show promise in replicating the complex cellular microenvironment of the lungs.
- Lung-on-a-chip technology can potentially elucidate the mechanisms of PM2.5-induced pulmonary pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Lung-on-a-chip models represent a significant advancement in pulmonary research.
- They offer a more physiologically relevant platform for studying the impact of environmental exposures like PM2.5.
- This technology holds promise for developing better diagnostics and therapeutics for lung diseases.
