Patent ID: 8147562
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: B01L,B33Y,C12M,C12N,G16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of modeling and designing a physiologically based fluidic network in a three-dimensional construct for use as an organ simulant for a specific organ, comprising the steps of: generating an initial design of an initial network in node-vessel format by stacking two-dimensional layers comprised of vessels connected by nodes and interconnecting the layers with vertical vessels such that the initial design is a three-dimensional design of a biological construct; translating the initial design from node-vessel format into a set of matrix equations relating a pressure and a resistance for each vessel, thereby defining flow behavior in the network; setting constraints on the set of matrix equations and determining a flow rate in each vessel, wherein the constraints include at least one physiological parameter associated with the specific organ; solving the set of matrix equations for the pressure and resistance of each vessel based on the flow rate in each vessel and the constraints; determining a geometry of each vessel on the basis of the corresponding resistance, thereby defining a final design of a final biological construct; and producing the final biological construct for use as an organ simulant.