Airway-on-a-chip: development and in vitro validation of a microfluidic cell culture model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We report a microfluidic cell culture model that incorporates a novel 3-dimensional extracellular matrix composed of a biodegradable membrane and lumen-patterned, cell-embedded hydrogel. Additionally, we developed a novel approach to produce a hydrogel mixture containing gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and ultrasonicated Matrigel microparticles. The novel fabrication approach creates a hybrid hydrogel where the Matrigel is well distributed within the GelMA, it promotes fibroblast cell elongation, and it does not affect the photopolymerization of GelMA.