Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are developing a new approach to better understand lung diseases such as tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis. Their goal is to create a three-dimensional lung tissue model that more accurately replicates the actual structure and function of human lungs than previous two-dimensional cell cultures or animal testing. The project is a collaboration between the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the USask College of Engineering.
“We’ve realized that we’re lacking a realistic model for lung diseases… and that means that we can’t really plan a better strategy for lung therapies,” says VIDO’s Dr. Nuraina Dahlan, one of the scientists working to make a three-dimensional lung tissue model.
“That will allow us to not only study diseases, but also to use lab-grown lungs as a replacement for transplantation. Either way, having a more accurate lung model allows us to make personalized treatment strategies: we can test whether a particular drug is suitable for a specific patient. Ultimately, this model gives us better options for lung disease prevention and treatment.”
To analyze the printed structures, researchers used the Canadian Light Source at the university. This facility allows for non-destructive examination of internal tissue architecture. The studies showed that the cells in the 3D-printed models survive for extended periods and behave similarly to those in natural lung tissue. This opens up the possibility of testing drugs or pathogens under realistic conditions.
In the next phase, the researchers plan to study how the models respond to infections and whether they can be used to develop patient-specific therapies. In the long term, the technology could help produce artificial lungs for transplantation or enable personalized treatment strategies.
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