A human Lung Alveolus Chip microfluidic culture device.
(Left) Photograph of a optically clear, flexible, polymeric Organ Chip containing central hollow channels for fluids and air, here highlighted with colored dye. Right) Illustration showing a cross section of the Lung Chip lined by human lung alveolar epithelial cells on the top of an ECM-coated porous membrane with human pulmonary capillary endothelial cells on the bottom of the same membrane, thereby recreating the alveolar-capillary interface. Air is introduced through the top channel to create an air-liquid interface while sustaining medium with or without immune cells is flowed through the lower vascular channel. Application of cyclic suction in hollow side chambers results in rhythmic distortion of the side walls and attached porous membrane with the adherent tissues, thereby enabling application of physiological breathing-like motions.