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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
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In Vitro Model of Physiological and Pathological Blood Flow with Application to Investigations of Vascular Cell Remodeling
Published on: November 3, 2015
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Jacketed elastomeric tubes for passive self-regulation of pulsatile flow.
Nathan Jen1, Jake Hadfield2, Guilherme M Bessa2
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Summary
Researchers developed fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes inspired by the human aorta to regulate pulsatile flow. This bio-inspired design offers passive self-regulation for microfluidic devices and medical applications like ex-vivo heart perfusion.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Bio-inspired Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics and Microfluidics
- Materials Science and Engineering
Background:
- Pulsatile flow regulation is critical for microfluidic devices and biological systems.
- The human aorta's layered structure inspires bio-inspired engineering solutions for flow control.
- Existing methods for pulsatile flow regulation can be complex and lack adaptability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes for passive self-regulation of pulsatile flow.
- To investigate the dynamic stiffening behavior of these bio-inspired tubes.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the tubes in a mock-circulatory flow loop simulating ex-vivo heart perfusion.
Main Methods:
- Fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes were fabricated using silicone rubber and knitted textiles.
- Tubes were integrated into a mock-circulatory flow loop replicating ex-vivo heart perfusion conditions.
- Pressure waveforms were measured to assess flow regulation, and dynamic stiffening was quantitatively analyzed.
Main Results:
- The fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes demonstrated effective pulsatile flow regulation, as evidenced by pressure waveform analysis.
- Quantitative analysis revealed the 'dynamic stiffening' behavior of the tubes under deformation.
- The design enhanced tube durability, allowing for greater pressure and distension without aneurysm formation.
Conclusions:
- Fabric-jacketed elastomeric tubes provide a tunable and effective solution for passive self-regulation of pulsatile flow.
- This bio-inspired approach offers a robust and adaptable platform for microfluidic and biomedical applications.
- The design shows promise for tubing systems requiring controlled pulsatile flow, enhancing safety and performance in devices like ex-vivo heart perfusion systems.
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