Innovation Unveiled: A Micro 'Lung-on-a-Chip' Complete with an Integrated Immune System
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Author:小编   

A team of scientists in the United States has achieved a groundbreaking feat by developing the world's inaugural micro 'lung-on-a-chip' that incorporates an in-built immune system. Their remarkable findings have been documented and published in the esteemed journal, Nature Biomedical Engineering. Previous iterations of lung-on-a-chip devices were constrained by their limited functionalities. However, this latest innovation marks a significant leap forward by integrating a fully functional immune system into the chip. This advancement effectively overcomes technical hurdles associated with the survival of immune cells and accurately replicates their dynamic interactions within a circulating environment. Through a series of experiments simulating influenza virus attacks, researchers observed that the immune response exhibited by the chip closely mirrors that of the human body. This novel chip opens up a new frontier in preclinical research, offering invaluable support in dissecting the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses and viral infections. Moreover, it provides a robust platform for evaluating the efficacy of drugs, thereby diminishing the dependence on animal testing. Its versatility extends to the study of a broad spectrum of diseases. Looking ahead, the research team envisions integrating immune organs into the chip, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patients.