Biomimetic Nanofiber Membrane for a Polymer Lung-on-chip Device Modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamics

In this paper, we propose a new biocompatible PCL-collagen nanofiber membrane that could be integrated into a microfluidic lung-on-a-chip device prototype. Membrane structure and properties were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Mechanical tests, and Contact angle measurements. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the PCL-collagen membrane were investigated on the A549 adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cell line using Presto Blue and Live/Dead assay. Additionally, a sample microfluidic device has been fabricated and was investigated using computational fluid dynamics technique. Preliminary results demonstrated biocompatibility and the possibility of integrating PCL-collagen membrane into a sample organ-on-a-chip device. This work paves the way for the development of a physiologically relevant membrane to be used for lung-on-a-chip devices. The membrane can be used to recreate the lung's air-blood barrier for emulation of important functions of the basement membrane such as metabolic exchange, cell maintenance, and cell communication more accurately in laboratory conditions.