3D alveolar in vitro model based on epithelialized biomimetically curved culture membranes

There is increasing evidence that surface curvature at a near-cell-scale influences cell behaviour. Epithelial or endothelial cells lining small acinar tubular body lumens, as those of the alveoli blood vessels, experience such highly curved surfaces. In contrast, most commonly used culture substrates for in vitro modelling these human tissue barriers, ion track-etched membranes, offer only flat Here, we propose more realistic environment alveolar based on biomimetically preserving mainly spherical geometry cells’ native microenvironment. The membranes were created by combination three-dimensional (3D) micro film (thermo)forming and track technology. We could successfully demonstrate formation, growth first characterization confluent layers lung epithelial lines primary shaped into an array hemispherical microwells. Besides their application submerged culture, also compatibility bioinspired air-exposed culture. observed distinct cellular response to membrane curvature. Cells (or layers) reveal significant differences compared concerning epithelialization, areal density formed layers, cross-sectional morphology, proliferation apoptosis rates, same tight barrier function membranes. presented 3D technology might pave way predictive models future.