Scientists Develop “Lung-on-a-Chip” That Could Help Stop the Next Pandemic – New Study/Science Updates

Education, Research & Positions
Dr AF Saeed
27th July 2025
0
2 minutes read

Using iPSCs on microfluidic chips to unravel respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 have triggered multiple global pandemics and continue to strain healthcare systems worldwide. These viruses can inflict serious harm on the lungs, particularly targeting two main areas: the upper airway (proximal region) and the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs (distal region, […]

Summary

Respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, severely impact the lungs, specifically the upper airway and distal air sacs responsible for gas exchange. Studying these regions is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms. Researchers are now using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) on microfluidic chips to create lung models that mimic these specific areas. These “lung-on-a-chip” systems offer a controlled environment to observe how respiratory illnesses affect different lung regions, accelerating drug discovery and improving treatments for these devastating diseases. This approach promises a deeper understanding of disease progression and personalized medicine strategies.