Assessing mechanical stimulation in a human lung alveolus-on-chip model under respiratory conditions

Abstract

The mechanical micro-environment plays a crucial role in regulating cellular behaviour and function, particularly in dynamic physiological processes such as breathing. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of applied pressure by the breathing mechanism on cellular strain and permeability in a novel lung-on-chip model. This enables the utilization of the model as a reliable tool for investigating mechanobiological properties and responses to infection models. For validation, multiple samples of the lung-on-chip model are initially prepared (physiologically relevant extracellular matrix, lung and endothelial cells). Afterwards, the model is mechanically stimulated through defined breathing, while ensuring that cell viability is maintained via a live-dead assay. The deformation of the cell-bearing organic matrix is then examined using optical coherence microscopy. This method allows for highre solutionimages of the tissue, enabling evaluation of the structure and integrity of the matrix. This comprehensive approach illustrates cell responses to mechanical stimuli, which enhances our understanding of lung physiology remarkably during infection.