According to the involved researchers, the new model replicates lung tissue much more realistically than previous lung chip models. As a first step, the researchers had still been working with an artificial membrane. This is now no longer necessary.

The system consists of a thin, stretchable membrane made of collagen and elastin molecules, which are also found in the real lungs. On this membrane are pulmonary alveoli, each measuring 250 micrometers in diameter (about the real size of an alveolus).

By applying pressure from one side of the model, the membrane can be stretched, just like in human respiration, thus creating a more realistic lung simulation. The cells come from patients undergoing surgery.

The development is designed for research into lung diseases and for the development of pharmaceuticals. It results from a collaboration between ARTOG and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Munich as well as the University Clinics for Thoracic Surgery and Pneumology of the Inselspital in Bern.

Prof. Guernat's research group is also represented in the InVitro Jobs working group list.

More information and model movies on YouTube can be found here:
https://www.artorg.unibe.ch/about_us/news/2021/bern_researchers_create_sophisticated_lung_on_chip/index_eng.html