A converging artery-sized model for shear adhesion mapping of particles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Designing effective drug carriers for cardiovascular diseases is complex due to vascular system biophysics.
• Wall shear stress (WSS) significantly influences drug carrier adhesion and accumulation within the circulatory system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an innovative artery-sized model for investigating particle adhesion under continuous WSS.
• To examine the impact of particle size, suspension buffer, and red blood cells on drug carrier distribution.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of flow and WSS distribution in a converging artery model lined with human endothelial cells.
• Experimentation with varying particle sizes (2 µm and 500 nm) and suspension buffers (Dextran and phosphate-buffered saline).
• Inclusion of red blood cells (RBCs) at physiological hematocrit to assess their effect on particle adhesion.

Main Results:

• Particle adhesion is dependent on size: 2 µm particles showed shear-decreased adhesion, while 500 nm particles exhibited shear-enhanced adhesion.
• Suspension buffer viscosity (Dextran vs. PBS) did not alter particle adhesion patterns under similar WSS.
• Presence of RBCs at 40% hematocrit reduced particle adhesion and altered deposition patterns.

Conclusions:

• The developed artery model provides a scalable platform for studying intravascular drug carrier behavior.
• Understanding WSS effects and particle-biophysical interactions is crucial for optimizing drug delivery systems for cardiovascular targets.
• This platform facilitates the investigation and optimization of drug carriers for improved cardiovascular targeting.