Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes

In vitro models of alveoli epithelium and mucociliary clearance for future pulmonary disease treatment and toxicology assessment.

Dr. Milad Radiom Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes Université Paris Diderot & École normale supérieure

Abstract : Concurrent with increasing production of engineered nanomaterials as well as extensive release of ultrafine particulate matter from various modern industries and naturally, there are concerns about the health effects of nanoparticles. Simultaneously, there are questions about the potential use of nanoparticles as drug carriers. The exposure of respiratory system to these particles is modulated by physiological defense mechanisms of lungs. The first of these mechanisms are the mucociliary clearance (MCC) apparatus in tracheobronchial region and the pulmonary surfactant layer (PSL) apparatus in alveolar region. Since microfluidic chips can result in accelerated monitoring of nanoparticles and drug nanocarriers, their developments are in demand, but their designs should properly replicate the lung environment including MCC and PSL. This is the aim of our current research efforts. On the way to reach these goals, we have worked on several related projects. One project concluded the development of an alveolus-mimic microfluidic chip based on electrospinned gelatin nanofibers on honeycomb microframes that can replicate the expansion-relaxation dynamics of alveoli during breathing (Figure). In another project, we have implemented nanoparticle toxicology in an alveoli model which mimics interactions with PSL. Microrheology of pulmonary as well as in vitro mucus, the main component of MCC, has also been performed using our technique of rotational magnetic spectroscopy. I will present these new results as well as future prospects of our project.