Lung chips are mainly used to simulate the microenvironment and function of human lungs. It is a tiny biochip, usually a combination of microfluidic technology and cell culture technology. By cultivating lung cells or lung tissue on a micro-carrier and simulating the physiological function and pathological process of human lungs, lung chip provides a highly controllable experimental platform for the study of respiratory diseases, drug screening and toxicity testing.
Lung chip designs typically include microchannels and cell culture chambers that mimic the respiratory movement and gas exchange of the lungs while providing the nutrients and oxygen the cells need. Through microfluidic technology, environmental parameters within the lung chip can be precisely controlled, such as flow rate, gas composition, and cell culture conditions, so as to better simulate the physiological and pathological state of the human lung.
The development of lung chip technology provides a more real and reliable experimental platform for the research and drug development of lung diseases. It can screen potential drug candidates more quickly, reduce the need for animal testing, and accelerate the development of new drugs.