Development of an Open-Source Device to Assess Lung Function in Small Laboratory Animals

To develop new therapies for lung diseases, pre-clinical trials are carried out in murine models. Currently, our lab is designing and testing new treatments for asthma and fibrosis using mice models. These studies require the evaluation of lung function. The limited supply of commercial devices to test lung physiology and the absence of open-source devices prompted us to develop a national open-source prototype to measure lung function. The designed device uses commercial pressure and flow sensors and performs mechanical ventilation using a 3D-printed syringe infusion pump. Calibration of the prototype was carried out, and it was tested in healthy mice to measure pressure and flow and to calculate volume by flow integration. Volume pressure loops were performed, and the value of lung distensibility was estimated. In the future, we will test the device in murine models of asthma and fibrosis.