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Published on: January 14, 2021
Investigation of vessel occlusion during cell seeding process
Van Lap Nguyen1,2, Hiromichi Obara3
1Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan. nguyen-van-lap@ed.tmu.ac.jp.
Abstract:
The seeding of cells into an organ is an important step in cell therapy because the final functional properties of the organ are related to the initial cell distribution throughout the organ. However, vessel occlusion is a serious problem that prevents uniform distribution of the cells in the entire organ. Understanding the mechanism of vessel occlusion can help optimize the seeding process. In this study, the vessel occlusion phenomenon under perfusion conditions during cell seeding was investigated. First, we applied a microfluidic system that enabled the observation of the occlusion events during injection. Second, we applied a multiphase numerical model that can describe the cell-cell interactions and cell-fluid interactions to investigate the vessel occlusion phenomenon during the seeding process. In particular, the effects of cell concentration and flow rate were investigated. The results indicate the importance of cell-cell interactions and cell-vessel interactions for the occurrence of vessel occlusion. In addition, it is found that the probability of occurrence of vessel occlusion increases with the increase in cell concentration and decrease in flow rate. The simulation model can help determine the optimum parameters to enhance cell seeding efficiency.
Insights
Cell seeding in organs for cell therapy can be hindered by vessel occlusion. This study reveals that higher cell concentrations and lower flow rates increase occlusion risk, guiding optimized cell distribution.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Organ Transplantation
Background:
- Cell seeding is crucial for organ function in cell therapy.
- Uniform cell distribution is often prevented by vessel occlusion.
- Understanding occlusion mechanisms can optimize cell seeding processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the phenomenon of vessel occlusion during cell seeding under perfusion.
- Analyze the impact of cell concentration and flow rate on vessel occlusion.
- Develop a simulation model to enhance cell seeding efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microfluidic system for real-time observation of occlusion events.
- Employed a multiphase numerical model to simulate cell-cell and cell-fluid interactions.
- Examined the effects of varying cell concentrations and flow rates.
Main Results:
- Identified cell-cell and cell-vessel interactions as key factors in vessel occlusion.
- Demonstrated that increased cell concentration and decreased flow rate elevate occlusion probability.
- Validated the simulation model's ability to predict occlusion occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Cell-cell and cell-vessel interactions significantly contribute to vessel occlusion during cell seeding.
- Optimizing cell concentration and flow rate is essential to mitigate vessel occlusion.
- The developed simulation model aids in determining parameters for improved cell seeding efficiency.
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