As the company writes in its newsletter, the system offers the in vivo-like complexity of the alveoli in combination with throughput procedures. The pulmonary epithelial cells are cultured with the air-liquid interface method and than co-cultured with lung endothelial cells. They culture is located on a thin membrane that is stretched simulating the mechanical forces of the respiratory motion. The cells can be easily treated with a multi-pipette. Via a docking station, the
chips can be connected with an electropneumatic controller which triggers the expansion of the membrane and thus the respiratory movements.

Possible endpoint which can be measured are cell viability, cell proliferation as well as cytotoxicity. The cells can be used for a rtPCR, various live cell imaging assays can be combined.

In addition, lung disease models can also be designed with the chip technology.

Further information:
http://www.alveolix.com/