Towards microfabricated biohybrid artificial lung modules for chronic respiratory support

We have utilized soft lithography techniques to create three-dimensional arrays of blood microchannels and gas pathways in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) that approach the microvascular scale of the natural lung. The blood microchannels were lined with endothelial cells in an effort to provide a non-thrombogenic surface that might ultimately reduce the need for systemic anticoagulation. A novel design and fabrication method were developed to create prototype modules for gas permeance and cell culture testing. The gas permeance modules contained 6 layers, four gas and two blood, while the modules for cell culture testing contained two layers of blood channels. The gas permeance of the modules was examined and maximum values of 9.16 × 10−6 and 3.55 × 10−5 mL/s/cm2/cmHg, for O2 and CO2 respectively, were obtained. Finally, endothelial cells were seeded and dynamically cultured in prototype cell culture modules. Confluent and viable cell monolayers were achieved after 10 days of perfusion.