新方法可批量生产微型肺类器官

Core Viewpoint - Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed an automated method for mass-producing micro-lung organoids, which can effectively test experimental drugs and predict patient responses to treatments without using animal materials [1][2] Group 1: Development Process - The team selected stem cells and allowed them to proliferate in a culture dish before activating them to form small cell aggregates known as embryoid bodies [1] - These embryoid bodies were placed in a specialized bioreactor containing growth-promoting culture medium, while a control group of organoids was also artificially cultured [1] - After four weeks of growth in the bioreactor, the organoids were analyzed using microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and RNA sequencing to understand their development, cell types, and differences from traditionally cultured organoids [1] Group 2: Findings and Characteristics - Both groups of organoids developed lung-like structures with airway and alveolar characteristics, with RNA sequencing confirming the presence of typical epithelial and mesodermal lung cells [1] - Although the cell types in both organoid groups were similar, there were slight differences in proportions; for instance, the artificially cultured organoids contained more alveolar cells, while those in the bioreactor were larger with fewer alveolar structures [1] Group 3: Implications for Research - The bioreactor allows for the mass production of organoids, significantly reducing manual labor and potentially transforming lung disease research [2] - In the future, patients may utilize their own tissues to cultivate personalized organoids through this bioreactor, enabling pre-testing of treatment efficacy [2]