Image-informed modelling of microscale exchange in the human placenta.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The human placenta facilitates crucial exchange between mother and fetus.
• Previous models lacked realistic microstructural data, hindering accurate transport studies.
• Understanding placental exchange is vital for fetal development and drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in placental imaging and mathematical modeling for microscale exchange.
• To highlight how new techniques improve characterization of placental microstructure.
• To bridge the gap between local geometry and organ-level placental function.

Main Methods:

• Multimodal structural imaging (X-ray phase-contrast, microCT, microscopy) to quantify villous and vascular architecture.
• Mathematical modeling frameworks incorporating hemodynamics, image-based exchange capacity, and compartmental analysis.
• Integration of spatial 'omics data to parameterize membrane function and regional heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• Advanced imaging techniques provide detailed villous and vascular architecture.
• Image-based models offer improved characterization of placental exchange capacity.
• Spatial 'omics reveal insights into transporter-mediated transfer and placental heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal imaging and advanced modeling are revolutionizing placental exchange research.
• Future work should focus on integrating these image-based models for comprehensive understanding.
• These approaches pave the way for improved prediction of fetal development and therapeutic interventions.