In Focus: Air-liquid interface

Cell culture plays a crucial role in scientific research, revolutionizing our understanding of molecular and cellular biology, disease modeling and drug screening. However, accurately replicating the complex characteristics of cells within the human body remains challenging. Traditional cell culture methods often fall short, especially in respiratory research, where the intricate nature of respiratory cells requires a more advanced approach to reflect their natural environment, physiological processes and responses to diseases and drugs. 

This In Focus feature, in association with PromoCell (Heidelberg, Germany), explores the air-liquid interface (ALI) cell culture technique and how it creates a more physiologically relevant environment for cells by closely mimicking natural conditions, offering a superior alternative to traditional methods. Additionally, this feature explores how researchers can use ALI culture to model a range of chronic diseases, develop therapeutics and promote regenerative medicine. 

Infographic

Air-liquid interface: A technique revolutionizing respiratory research

This infographic highlights the challenges of using traditional methods, like submerged cell culture, to model respiratory tissues and demonstrates how ALI cell culture provides an innovative alternative to these challenges. It also includes expert tips to optimize the ALI technique for research. 

Interview

Revolutionizing regenerative medicine with ALI culture: an interview with Elfie Rödel

In this interview, we spoke with Elfie Rödel about the relevance of the ALI culture system in regenerative medicine and the outlook for ALI-culture applications in the future. Dr Rödel also explores the cell lines that can be utilized for ALI techniques and what factors should be considered when choosing a model cell line. 

Resources

Application Note: Air-liquid interface culture of nasal and tracheal airway epithelial cells

Application Note: Air-liquid interface culture system for standardized respiratory research

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