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Issued patent

Human Tissue-Like Cellular Assemblies Grown for Respiratory Studies

An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.

View at technology.nasa.gov
Media from NASA Technology Transfer

About this technology

Overview

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a technology that yields three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like assemblies (TLAs) of human broncho-epithelial (HBE) cells for in vitro research on infection of humans by respiratory viruses. Compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell culture, the 3D TLAs more accurately represent the active environment present in respiratory infections. It offers a cost-effective platform that functions like in vivo human tissue, reducing the need for human subject testing and supporting a more controlled testing environment free from immune system limitations. 3D TLAs provide an opportunity to study the tolerance to bioactive ingredients, the impacts of developing vaccinations on respiratory tissues, and other applications directed to product development for the cosmetics and textile industries.