Abstract: A bioreactor is disclosed that can be used to study living tissues (e.g., lung tissues) in an environment that mimics the natural environment. Pressure, flow and force modules enable imitation of in vivo conditions. An integrated imaging module allows for the airway tissues and cells of interest to be visualized and monitored continuously and non-destructively at the single-cell level. A method of use of the created systems can be utilized to quantify mucociliary fluid movements across the luminal surface of in vitro-cultured human airway tissue via in situ particle tracking and analysis is also disclosed. Another method of use of systems created in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is to generate in vitro-cultured human airway tissue with severely impaired mucociliary flow by depositing thick viscous mucus-mimetic fluid on to the airway lumen. Methods of de-epithelialization and replacement of living cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with a bioreactor are disclosed. An imaging module is provided that allows for in situ observation of, for instance, lung tissue. Various compounds can be introduced into a cell culture chamber for experimental and practical applications on epithelial tissue. Methods and apparatus are also provided for deepithelializing human or rat tissue without damaging the structures underneath. Thereafter, cell-growth can be effected in a homogenous distribution.