Comprehensive analysis of resilience of human airway epithelial barrier against short-term PM2.5 inorganic dust exposure using in vitro microfluidic chip and ex vivo human airway models.

The duration and concentration of PM2.5 that can be exposed during extreme weather conditions and natural events aligns with our exposure model (0-800 μg/mL 72 h). At this level of exposure, the resilience of the epithelial barrier is demonstrated by both AEB-on-a-chip platform emulating dynamic forces in the body and ex vivo bronchial biopsy slices. Lung-on-a-chip models will serve as reliable exposure models in this context.