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# 2024 Heterogenous Lung Organoids |
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Current lung organoid models face challenges in scalability and accuracy due to high costs, invasive procedures, and limited representation of lung regions. This project introduces a new approach using tracheal/bronchial and mesenchymal cells in hydrogels to create lung organoids that mature in just 21 days. These organoids replicate diverse lung structures and are effective for studying adult lung diseases and viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. This cost-effective, scalable model enhances drug testing and respiratory disease research
Dr. Alicia Reyes Valenzuela is the founder and CEO of PulmonaVat, specializing in lung organoid generation and tissue engineering. With master's and doctoral degrees in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from McGill University and inspired by her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed heterogeneous lung organoids that mimic the complexity of human lungs. Her work focuses on revolutionizing drug efficacy testing across diverse populations to prepare for future health crises. A recipient of honors like CONAHCYT and the Young Scientist Award from PETA, Alicia advocates for in-vitro models that reduce reliance on animal testing in personalized medicine and drug discovery.more
Nanyang Technological University
Targeted antimicrobial treatment for resistant infections
