The SynAir-G project is exploring the potential of organoids and organ-on-chip models in air pollution biology, aligning with the project’s objective to create cutting-edge methodologies that replicate human lung physiology. These models enable precise assessments of pollutant interactions, supporting the development of tools to inform quality standards and mitigate the health impacts of complex exposures.
Organoids and Organochips in Air Pollution Biology
The study of air pollution and its effect on cell biology has advanced significantly with the introduction of cutting-edge models such as respiratory system organoids and organ-on-chip models. These technologies bridge the gap between conventional cell culture systems and in vivo studies, providing a more accurate representation of human physiology in the context of air pollution research.
Organoids in Air Pollution Biology
Human airway or alveolar organoids are cutting-edge cell culture models that mimic the cell-cell interactions in a 3D model. They are derived from stem cells or progenitor cells and provide an excellent model for studying the effects of air pollution at the cellular level.
Organochips in Air Pollution Biology
Lung-on-a-chips are microfluidic devices that replicate the physical and functional properties of the lung. By integrating multiple cell types within a dynamic, perfused environment, they simulate the interaction between different tissues, which is critical for understanding the systemic effects of air pollution.
- Applications:
- Toxicity Assessment: These platforms are useful to investigate how certain air pollutants, such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, affect the respiratory epithelium.
- Disease Modeling: Both organoids and organ-on-a-chips help model chronic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under exposure to pollutants.
- Mechanistic Insights: They enable the study of molecular pathways, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, cell distress and DNA damage caused by air pollutants.
- Advantages:
- Physiological relevance compared to 2D cell cultures.
- Genetic and epigenetic responses closer to in vivo systems.
- Amenable to personalized medicine approaches by using patient-derived cells.
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