The elastic and ultrathin membrane is a key component of our lung-on-chip. It enables the 3D cyclic stretch and serves as a soft cell culture support for optimal cell attachment. Our biocompatible silicone membrane allows many different ECM coatings. The 3.5 μm thin membrane has 3 μm pores at a density of 800000 pores/cm². This membrane is meticulously engineered to replicate the lung’s natural microenvironment by enabling a 3D cyclic stretch that mimics the rhythmic breathing motion. Its flexible yet durable design acts as a soft, supportive scaffold, ensuring optimal cell attachment and growth for epithelial and endothelial cells, which is critical for accurate physiological modeling.

Our technology allows mimicking the mechanical stretch which occurs on some organs via a uni- or bilateral movement of a thin membrane. For example, we can reproduce the 3D cyclic stress that alveolar cells experimented with during breathing motion, the intestinal the tensile and compressive forces generated by peristaltic movement and much more. Such mechanical fidelity enhances the predictive power of organ-on-chip models, making them indispensable for drug discovery, toxicology screening, and fundamental biological research. Ultimately, this capability accelerates the development of safer, more effective therapies and reduces dependence on animal testing.

Thanks to its plate format, the ^AXBarrier-on-Chip can be easily integrated into existing laboratory routines and systems. The unique chip design allows accurate cell seeding and cell culturing at the air liquid interface.

The ^AXBarrier-on-Chip System includes customizable stretch parameters to replicate mechanical cues of any organ barrier.

Uni- or Bidirectional membrane movement​
Create any motion pattern of your choice​

Physiological and Pathophysiological stretch levels​
Create physiological motion or simulate traumas / injuries​​

Frequency adjustments​
Speed up or slow down the motion to target the desired stimuli​​

Active and dormant time periods​ definition
Tune the organ motion to account for day and night activity​​

Ultrathin, porous and elastic membrane for cell growth
Thickness: 3.5µm & Pores: Ø 3µm​

Mono- or Coculture models
with/without immune component​

The AX12 is based on a 96-well plate format and consists of two chips supported by a plate. This two-part design enables the seeding of the cells directly on either side of the ultrathin membrane. Each chip includes six independent units, allowing for up to 12 samples per AX12. It is compatible with live-cell and high-resolution imaging, as well as standardized read-outs such as TEER, ELISA, rtPCR and flow cytometry.

Key features | Experimental Workflow

The ^AXDock connects the AX12 with the ^AXActuator and the ^AXExchanger. Two ^AXDock units are supplied with the system: one is installed in the incubator and the other is placed inside the cell culture hood. The AX12 is placed inside the ^AXDock to create an air-tight sealing, ensuring proper pneumatic function.

Key features

The ^AXExchanger is connected to the ^AXDock inside the cell culture hood. It pneumatically controls the valves of the AX12, located between the inlet well, the cell culture chamber and the outlet well. By opening and closing the valves, a controlled fluid flow is created for initial chip filling and medium exchange. The ^AXExchanger also allows the measurement of TEER in combination with a suitable equipment. It is operated via a touch screen interface and an intuitive software.

Key features | Experimental Workflow

The ^AXActuator is connected to the second ^AXDock placed in the incubator. It pneumatically controls the movement of the membrane inside the AX12, recreating the cyclic stretch motion. The parameters can be easily modified in the interface. The ^AXActuator is controlled via a touch screen interface and an intuitive software. Experimental data can be exported to a USB flash drive for documentation.