Modeling Hemodynamics in Three-Dimensional, Biomimetic, Branched, Microfluidic, Vascular Networks.

Abstract

Neovascularization has been extensively studied because of its significant role in both physiological processes and diseases. The significance of vascular microfluidic platforms lies in its essential role in recreating an in vitro environment capable of supporting cellular and tissue systems through the process of neovascularization. Biomechanical properties in a tissue engineered system use fluid flow and transport properties to recapitulate physiological systems. This enables mimicry of organ systems which can further personalized and regenerative medicine. Thus, fluid hemodynamics can be used to study these flow patterns and create a system that mimics real physiological pathways and processes. The establishment of stable flow pathways encourages endothelial cells (ECs) ECs to undergo neovascularization. Specifically, the shear stress applied in capillary beds generates the increased proliferation and differentiation of ECs to build larger microcirculatory beds. Here, we describe a mathematical model that uses branching patterns and vessel morphology to predict hemodynamic parameters in capillary beds. A retinal capillary bed is used as one-use case of our model to show how the mathematical framework can be used to determine hemodynamic parameters for any microfluidic system. In doing so, this tool can be altered to be used to supplement emerging research areas in neovascularization.