Mechanobiophysics of the alveolus – Reconstruction of strain and forces at the gas-blood barrier

Introduction: In the last years, the importance of mechano-chemical cellular responses for biology and pathobiology has been recognized. As cells sense their mechanical environment, they respond to extracellular forces. This is particularly important for lung epithelial and endothelial cells forming the air-blood barrier where they constantly get stretched during breathing. Mechanical stretch in the alveolus plays a key role in triggering the secretion of pulmonary surfactant which reduces surface tension at the alveolar air-liquid interface. However, an integrated research of the alveolar environment has been p…