The role of biomaterials and three dimensional (3D) tissue models in fighting against COVID-19

• Published in: Biomaterials science Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 1217 - 1226
• Main Authors: Seyfoori, Amir, Amereh, Meitham, Dabiri, Seyed Mohammad Hossein, Askari, Esfandyar, Walsh, Tavia, Akbari, Mohsen
• Format: Journal Article
• Published: 23.02.2021
• ISSN: 2047-4830; 2047-4849
• DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01616k

Over the past century, viral respiratory pandemics have been a leading cause of infectious disease worldwide. A deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the viral interactions with host cells at the target sites is necessary for a rapid response to such pandemics. To meet this aim, various testing platforms are required to recapitulate the pathophysiological behavior of the virus within the respiratory tract. These bioengineered platforms can effectively be used for the development of different therapeutics and vaccines. This paper briefly reviews the progress in the areas of biomaterial use for pulmonary tissue regeneration and integration with current bioengineered platforms including engineered tissues, organoids, and organs-on-a-chip platforms for viral respiratory disease studies. Finally, a brief overview of the opportunities presented by organ-on-a-chip systems for studying COVID-19 and subsequent drug development is introduced. Biomaterials in company with bioengineered tissue models enables scientists to develop the more precise disease models and find better solutions in infectious respiratory disease treatment.