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Measuring Perfusion Pressure and Flow Resistance in a Microfluidic Device Using an External Optical System
Matthew C Coughlin1, Marie A Floryan2, Giovanni S Offeddu2
1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|November 24, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel optical system to measure fluid forces in microphysiological systems (MPS). This tool quantifies flow and resistance in vascular structures, enhancing the physiological relevance of disease modeling.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physiological Modeling
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Microphysiological systems (MPS) are crucial for studying human disease pathology.
- Incorporating organ-specific components increases MPS physiological relevance.
- Accurate replication of physiological function requires appropriate physical forces, which are often unquantified in MPS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, robust, and optically-based system for quantitative characterization of fluid flow in MPS.
- To measure driving pressure and flow resistance within MPS vascular structures.
- To ensure the system is suitable for long-term, sterile biological studies.
Main Methods:
- An optically-based system was designed to interface with existing pumps.
- The system quantitatively assessed fluid pressure and flow resistance.
- Measurements were validated against hydrostatic methods and theoretical predictions for capillary flow.
Main Results:
- The system demonstrated excellent agreement with established resistance measurement techniques.
- It accurately quantified driving pressure and flow resistance in vascular structures within an MPS.
- Measurements of vascular resistance in MPS were consistent with published data.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical system provides a reliable method for quantifying physical forces in MPS.
- This tool enhances the physiological relevance of MPS for disease modeling and drug development.
- The non-invasive, sterile nature of the system is ideal for long-term biological applications.
