Establish lung models with the µ-Slide Membrane ibiPore Flow

The current COVID-19 pandemic places an extraordinarily high importance on SARS-CoV-2-related research using physiological lung models. The new µ-Slide Membrane ibiPore Flow has a porous glass membrane for transmigration and transport studies under both static and flow conditions. This is designed for the establishment of cellular lung models with an air-liquid interface (ALI). In addition, various experimental approaches in 2D or 3D, such as endothelial barrier assays, co-cultivation of two different cell types, or apical-basal cell polarity assays can be performed.

The slide’s horizontal porous glass membrane is inserted between two channels and has brilliant optical quality for high-resolution microscopy. The upper channel above the membrane is a static reservoir. The lower channel is a perfusion channel for applying defined shear stress on cells, which are attached to the membrane. The upper and the lower channel communicate with each other only across the membrane.

To create a lung model with an air-liquid interface (ALI), a polarized cell monolayer (e.g., lung epithelial cells) is cultured on the upper side of the porous membrane, which is exposed to air. From the lower channel, the cells are supplied by culture medium under defined shear stress.

Four different pore sizes are available for various cell types. Researchers can test the slide for their application with a trial pack containing two slides.

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