D42 Lung-on-Chip: Endothelial cells comprise the vasculature of our Lung-on-Chip model. Endothelial cells express von Willebrand factor (vWf) stained in green and CD31 stained in orange. vWf plays a major role in platelet adhesion and in protective complex formation with factor VIII. CD31 mediates mechano-sensing of biomechanical stimuli and leukocyte adhesion to the vessel wall.
An In Vitro Model for Respiratory Drug Testing and Disease Research
Overview Dynamic42 Lung-on-Chip Model
The lung-on-chip model replicates essential features of the human alveolar-vascular and bronchial-vascular interface and is specifically designed for evaluating respiratory drug delivery, toxicology, and airborne infectious diseases. This in vitro lung model mimics key physiological functions of the lower respiratory tract and offers a human-relevant alternative to traditional animal testing.
Lung Model Features
Dual compartments
A vascular channel lined with endothelial cells and an alveolar or bronchial compartment containing epithelial cells.
Air–liquid interface (ALI)
The lung epithelium is exposed to air on the apical side and nourished from the basolateral vascular channel, creating an environment that closely mimics the human lung.
Immune competence
The inclusion of tissue-resident macrophages allows for the study of inflammation, immune response, and pathogen interaction.
Perfusion & parallelization
Microfluidic perfusion maintains tissue vitality and function for up to 14 days. In addition, dynamic perfusion allows for the integration of circulating immune cell populations.
Flexible setup
The technology allows for integration of different cell sources such as cell lines, patient-derived cells, and iPSC-derived cells. Currently established protocols are available for cell-line-based alveolar and primary-based bronchial models.
Specifications of Lung-on-Chip
The Dynamic42 lung-on-chip comprises two compartments: a vascular compartment and an alveolar compartment. The vasculature is formed by an endothelial lining. The alveolar compartment comprises lung epithelial cells and tissue-resident alveolar macrophages. The alveolar tissue is exposed to air and nourished from the vasculature below (air-liquid-interface culture).
The Dynamic42 lung-on-chip can be operated with various cell sources. Please get in contact for further details.
Macrophage
Epithelial Cell
Endothelial Cell
Two models can be run in parallel on one biochip or chambers connected to create a multi-organ model. The lung-on-chip model can be operated on the DynamicOrgan® 2-Channel Kit and 2-Channel Kit – precious.
Characteristics of Lung Model
Enhanced marker expression
Intense cell-cell communication
Physiologic biomechanical stimulation via flow
Secretory function
Immunocompetence
The Dynamic42 lung-on-chip can be operated up to 14 days with high vitality, stable barrier function and stable marker expression.
Lung-on-Chip Application Areas
- Respiratory drug delivery and uptake studies
- Toxicity profiling of inhaled substances
- Modeling of lung inflammation and immune response
- Infectious disease modeling, including viral, fungal and bacterial exposure in a human-relevant in vitro lung model
- Barrier integrity studies at the air–blood interface
Why Use Lung-on-Chip?
This lung-on-a-chip model provides a physiologically relevant, immune-competent, and scalable system for preclinical research. It allows for mechanistic studies that are difficult to perform in animal models and supports the replacement of animal testing in respiratory toxicology and infection biology.
Related Dynamic42 Products for Pulmonary Applications
DynamicOrgan® 2-Channel Kit
- Build lung-on-chip models featuring air–liquid interface for studying inhaled drug delivery and immune response
- Ideal for modeling of lung inflammation and respiratory pathogen response
- Kit includes materials to replicate alveolar or bronchial–capillary structures and barrier integrity testing
More information
DynamicOrgan® 2-Channel Kit – precious
- Designed for pulmonary models with limited cell input and dynamic air exposure culture
- Kit contains all consumables to build organ models replicating epithelial and endothelial interfaces between tissue compartments
More information
In addition to the kit, you will require a peristaltic pump. If you don’t have one you can order a DynamicOrgan® System and will receive a peristaltic pump in addition to your kit of choice.
FAQ – Lung-on-Chip Model
What is a Lung-on-Chip model?
A lung-on-chip is a microfluidic in vitro lung model that recreates the air–blood barrier of the human alveolar system. It simulates lung physiology, including immune response, barrier function, and air–liquid interface exposure.
How is the Lung-on-Chip structured?
The model consists of two compartments: a vascular channel lined with endothelial cells and an alveolar or bronchial compartment with epithelial cells and macrophages. The epithelium is exposed to air, while nutrients are supplied from below via perfusion.
What applications is the Lung-on-Chip used for?
It supports respiratory drug delivery research, toxicology of inhaled substances, infectious disease modeling, and studies of lung inflammation and barrier integrity.
How long can the Lung-on-Chip be operated?
From the moment the alveolar model (cell-line-based, with primary cells in the proof-of-concept phase) becomes fully functional, it can be operated for up to four days. The bronchial (primary-cell-based) model can be run for approximately one month from the point of its full functionality.
Can the Lung-on-Chip model replace animal studies?
Yes, this model offers a human-relevant and ethical alternative to animal testing, especially in respiratory toxicology and infection research were species-specific differences limit translatability.
What makes the Lung-on-Chip different from conventional in vitro lung models?
Unlike static cultures, Lung-on-Chip provides dynamic perfusion, immune competence, and an air–liquid interface, enabling more realistic simulation of lung tissue behavior under physiological and pathological conditions.
Where can I get the Lung-on-Chip model?
You can set-up a Alveolus or Bronchus-on-Chip model using our DynamicOrgan® System, which includes a peristatic pump, biochips and consumables. If a pump is available in your lab, you can purchase one of our 2-Channel Kits directly. Please contact us for ordering options and product availability.
Can I commission studies for respiratory models?
Yes. Our scientific team offers full-service project execution using Lung-on-Chip models - for toxicology, infection, and barrier studies. ➝ Details here
Is there training for proper lung model setup and use?
Yes, our Academy program covers basic training in our 2-channel biochips onsite in Jena (Germany) or online. Learn more about Dynamic42 Academy.
Featured resources about Lung Model
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Talk to our lung-on-chip experts
Explore how lung-on-chip help you model air–liquid interface for studying inhaled drug delivery and immune response.