Researchers 3D-print lung tissue model to advance disease research

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have developed a 3D-printed lung tissue model that could help scientists better study and treat diseases such as tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis.

The project, led by scientists at the university’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the College of Engineering, aims to overcome the limitations of traditional two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models that do not fully replicate how human lungs function.

Lungs contain an internal scaffolding known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides structure and support for living cells. To recreate that environment, the team fabricated 3D lung models using bioinks made from decellularized lung ECM combined with living human lung cells. Researchers at VIDO cultured the cells, while engineers at the College of Engineering produced the printed structures that mimic lung tissue architecture.

The group used the Canadian Light Source synchrotron at USask to image and characterize the models without damaging samples, verifying that the printed scaffolds support viable cell growth and maintain the shape and porosity needed for realistic tissue behavior.

Results indicated that the printed matrix provides a suitable environment for human lung cells to survive and grow, which could be a step toward building more physiologically accurate models for infection and drug testing, the researchers suggest.

“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,” said Nuraina Dahlan of VIDO.

The next phase of the project will involve 3D printing additional lungs and exposing them to infectious agents to study how they respond. The researchers said the technology could eventually be used to design patient-specific treatments, develop personalized drug testing platforms, and potentially grow replacement lungs for transplantation.

“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,” Dahlen said.

The study was published in the journal Biomaterials Advances.