Research Projects

Respiratory diseases are the most common causes of death worldwide. Advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have led to the development of a 3D-like chip that mimics the structure of a lung human model. This micro-channel chip can be used to study lung infections without animal testing for drug development. Lung-on-a-chip is a new concept that allows for the development of various organ-on-a-chip and their functions in-vitro without animal experiments. It is cost-effective and fast, making it an ideal tool for drug and vaccine development. Lung fibrosis, a lung disease causing lung tissue scarring, is a significant concern. This study aims to develop a 3D lung model using bioprinting using Pluronic F127 and PDMS materials at a low cost compared to conventional complex models. The model will incorporate the growth factor TGF-β, creating an in-vitro disease model for studying lung fibrosis. The model's top and bottom sides will be fabricated, and the porous membrane will be fabricated using electrospinning or bioprinting. The best ECM coating membrane will be selected and placed between the two PDMS sides. Human endothelial cells and I and II alveolar epithelial cells will be grown on both sides of the porous membrane, resembling lung alveoli. Antibiotic staining will be performed on the two cell layers. A long-term cell viability, immunochemistry, and flow cytometry detection of cell surface P-Glycoprotein will be performed on day 7. Gene and protein expression studies and confocal imaging will also be performed to study changes in the disease model. This will help in understanding lung fibrosis disease in detail, leading to better treatment options.