Exploring the biomechanical response of human semicircular canals by a visualized bionic model

Area of Science:

• Vestibular system biomechanics
• Human semicircular canals (HSCs)
• Bionic modeling

Background:

• Current research on human semicircular canals (HSCs) relies on indirect nystagmus observation, limited by nervous system involvement.
• Understanding the cupula's biomechanical response is crucial for vestibular system research and diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a direct method for investigating the biomechanical response of the human semicircular canal (HSC) cupula.
• To create a 1:1 scale bionic semicircular canal (BSC) model for accurate biomechanical analysis.
• To validate the BSC model's performance against theoretical predictions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 1:1 scale bionic semicircular canal (BSC) model using 3D printing and hydrogel modification.
• Utilizing target tracking technology to observe cupula deformation under various angular accelerations.
• Applying constant angular acceleration and sinusoidal oscillation stimulations to the BSC model.

Main Results:

• The BSC model exhibited a time constant comparable to that of human semicircular canals (HSCs).
• Cupula's maximum deviation displacement was directly proportional to the applied angular acceleration.
• Amplitude-frequency gain increased, and phase difference decreased with rising frequency under sinusoidal stimulation, aligning with theoretical deductions.

Conclusions:

• The developed bionic semicircular canal (BSC) model effectively replicates human semicircular canal (HSC) biomechanical responses.
• This model offers a promising tool for advancing mechanistic research and improving disease diagnosis related to HSCs.