Microfluidic-based cardiovascular systems for advanced study of atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Microfluidics Technology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) poses a significant global health burden with high morbidity and mortality.
• Developing accurate models of the cardiovascular system is crucial for understanding AS pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Microfluidics presents a powerful technology for creating such models and advancing AS research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in microfluidic-based cardiovascular systems for atherosclerosis (AS) research.
• To categorize and discuss critical pathogenetic mechanisms of AS investigated using microfluidic systems.
• To summarize diagnostic methods, drug evaluation, and novel drug delivery carriers developed with microfluidics for AS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on microfluidic cardiovascular systems applied to atherosclerosis research.
• Categorization of AS pathogenetic mechanisms studied via microfluidic platforms.
• Summary of microfluidic diagnostic techniques, drug screening assays, and drug delivery carrier fabrication.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic systems enable detailed investigation of AS pathogenesis.
• Accurate biomarker detection and diagnosis of AS are enhanced by microfluidic devices.
• Microfluidics facilitates efficient drug evaluation, screening, and development of novel drug delivery carriers for AS treatment.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic cardiovascular systems are pivotal in advancing atherosclerosis research.
• Future prospects include multi-disciplinary research and broader therapeutic applications.
• Continued innovation in microfluidics promises significant breakthroughs in AS management and treatment.