Future of Lung Tissue Engineering: Frontier Bio's Bioprinted Solutions

Future Innovations in Lung Tissue Engineering

Future innovations in lung tissue engineering are marked by Frontier Bio's pioneering bioprinted microscale lung tissue. By combining 3D bioprinting with stem cells' ability to self-assemble, California-based biotech company has created complex microscale lung tissue. This groundbreaking technology paves the way for advancements in treating respiratory diseases and organ transplantation.

Challenges in Traditional Drug Development

Animal testing is commonly used in preclinical drug development, but it often fails to accurately represent human biology, leading to high failure rates in human trials. Frontier Bio is developing lab-grown human lung tissue as an alternative, offering a more accurate model for drug development and increasing the likelihood of successful translation to clinical use.

Harnessing Stem Cells for Advanced Lung Models

Frontier Bio’s lung models are produced from a mixture of cells found in the lung, including stem cells. These are combined with a proprietary blend of biomaterials and then processed using Frontier Bio’s bioprinting hardware to produce the tissue geometry. The company has developed methods to induce natural self-assembly processes, driving the cells to organize into the complex microtissue architecture of the distal lung, including bronchioles and alveolar air sacs.

Unique Features of Frontier Bio's Technology

What is unique about Frontier Bio’s technology is their ability to harness the power of stem cells to differentiate and self-assemble into complex microtissue architecture. Their distal lung model develops bronchioles, alveolar air sacs, and beating cilia (tiny hair-like structures that keep natural airways clean). Furthermore, it produces mucus and surfactant akin to those found in natural lung tissue.