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Advanced Lung-on-a-Chip Technology: Mimicking the Complex Human Lung Microenvironment.

Authors :
Min EK
Lee CM
Kim SR
Lee JW
Park CH
Oh BC
Jung Y
Lee HY
Source :
International journal of biological sciences [Int J Biol Sci] 2025 Jan 01; Vol. 21 (1), pp. 17-39. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Jan 01 (Print Publication: 2025).
Publication Year :
2025

Abstract

Intricate crosstalk among various lung cell types is crucial for orchestrating diverse physiological processes. Traditional two-dimensional and recent three-dimensional (3D) assay platforms fail to precisely replicate these complex communications. Many in vitro lung models do not effectively reflect the multicellular complexity of lung tissue. Here, we fabricated an advanced multicellular 3D lung-on-a-chip system that properly replicates the dynamic pulmonary microenvironment and its intricate microarchitecture. Diverse lung cells were incorporated into a microstructure formed from a mixture of natural polymers, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, and blood coagulation factors acting as natural crosslinking agents. The system accurately reflects the complex 3D architecture of the lung. Biomarkers demonstrate more rapid and sensitive responses to toxic substances than functional indicators, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. SERPINB2 was identified as a biomarker of lung toxicity; it was activated in small airway epithelial cells exposed to various toxic substances. We then developed a fluorescence-linked toxicity biomarker screening platform that enables both intuitive and quantitative evaluation of lung toxicity by measuring the converted fluorescent signal strength. This fluorescent tagging system was incorporated into small airway epithelial cells within a fabricated chip platform; enabling lung-on-a-chip enabled evaluation of the lung toxicity of prospective drug candidates.<br />Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.<br /> (© The author(s).)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1449-2288
Volume :
21
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of biological sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39744426
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.105702