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Biodegradable Nanofiber Membranes for Air-Liquid Interface Culture: Advancing Airway In Vitro Models
Sema Tuncer1, Secil Subasi Can1, Hayriye Akel Bilgic2
1Institute of Science and Centre of Bioengineering, Bioengineering Division, Hacettepe University, Cankaya, Ankara 06800, Türkiye.
ACS Omega
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Biodegradable nanofiber membranes made from PLLA and PCL offer a promising alternative for advanced in vitro airway disease modeling. These novel systems support cell growth and mimic lung tissue structure for better research outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic airway diseases pose a significant global health burden, necessitating advanced in vitro models for research.
- Current air-liquid interface (ALI) culture systems utilize non-biodegradable membranes, limiting long-term studies and physiological relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel biodegradable nanofiber membranes for improved in vitro airway modeling.
- To assess the suitability of these membranes for mimicking native lung extracellular matrix and supporting airway epithelial cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly-(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber membranes via electrospinning.
- Structural and chemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.
- In vitro cell culture assays to evaluate cell viability, adhesion, and differentiation (β-tubulin expression).
Main Results:
- Nanofiber membranes with diameters of 50-275 nm were fabricated, closely resembling the native lung extracellular matrix.
- PLLA and PCL membranes demonstrated structural stability for up to six months with confirmed chemical stability.
- High cell viability, strong cellular adhesion, and successful bronchial epithelial cell differentiation were observed on the membranes.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PLLA and PCL nanofiber membranes provide a viable and promising platform for long-term in vitro airway modeling.
- These novel membranes accurately mimic tracheal and bronchial architecture, advancing the development of preclinical airway tissue graft constructs.
