Options for modeling the respiratory system: inserts, scaffolds and microfluidic chips

•Air–liquid interfaces can be included on inserts, scaffolds and microfluidic chips.•Artificial and decellularized scaffolds enable easy spatial cell organization.•Artificial and decellularized scaffolds effectively mimic extracellular matrix.•Dynamic conditions and breathing motions are easily applied to microfluidic chips.•Microfluidic chips are suitable for high-throughput studies.