Microcirculation and oxygen transport through the diffuse-domain lens

该项目旨在研究微血管网络中发生的复杂的流动和运输过程如何调节血管重塑。通过将新的计算模型与高分辨率成像数据相结合，该项目将有助于揭示血管结构适应和氧运输在组织功能中的关键作用的潜在机制。这一项目将有助于更好地理解血液流动、血管重塑和氧气运输之间的关系，这可能会导致伤口愈合策略、组织工程方法和人造器官发展的进步。这项研究计划将涉及研究生和本科生，以及基于为当地高中生创建循环系统的交互式可视化的推广工作。血管网络经历机械和新陈代谢线索驱动的结构性适应，包括血管生长、收缩和修剪。微血管网络经历了快速而显著的变化，使血管重塑成为流动和运输动力学的关键因素。虽然循环系统已经得到了广泛的研究，但对微血管网络中发生的流动和运输过程及其对血管重构的影响却知之甚少。特别是，由于现有计算方法的局限性，三维几何结构、跨血管和血管外流动在血液动力学和微血管网络上的氧气运输中的作用一直被研究不足。为了弥补这一差距，本项目将开发一种独特的计算方法，该方法基于通过扩散域方法与体内成像数据的集成。该模型将导致对控制微血管网络结构适应的流动和运输过程的新的基本理解。这项研究在不同的学科中都有重要的意义，为探索微血管网络中复杂的流动和运输过程及其在不同生物现象中的作用提供了宝贵的工具，包括伤口愈合和组织再生。该项目还可能在药物输送和有机化合物开发方面取得进展。该项目还将使用3D模拟获得的数据，使用视频游戏引擎产生交互式可视化，并将在当地一所高中展示。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to investigate how the complex flow and transport processes that occur in microvascular networks regulate vessel remodeling. By integrating a novel computational model with high-resolution imaging data, the project will help unveil mechanisms underlying both structural adaptation of blood vessels and the crucial role of oxygen transport in tissue function. This project will lead to a better understanding of the relationship between blood flow, vascular remodeling, and oxygen transport that may lead to advancements in wound healing strategies, tissue engineering approaches, and the development of artificial organs. The research program will involve graduate and undergraduate students and outreach efforts based on creating an interactive visualization of the circulatory system for local high school students.Vascular networks undergo structural adaptation driven by mechanical and metabolic cues, including vessel growth, shrinkage, and pruning. Microvascular networks undergo rapid and significant changes, making vascular remodeling a critical element of the flow and transport dynamics. While the circulatory system has been extensively studied, the flow and transport processes that occur within microvascular networks and their influence on vascular remodeling are poorly understood. In particular, the role of three-dimensional geometry, transvascular and extravascular flow in blood dynamics and oxygen transport on microvascular networks that are undergoing remodeling has been understudied partially because of limitations of existing computational methods. To bridge this gap, a unique computational method based on integration with in vivo imaging data through the diffuse-domain approach will be developed in this project. The model will lead to new fundamental understanding of the flow and transport processes that control structural adaptation of microvascular networks. This research has significant implications in diverse disciplines, offering a valuable tool to explore the intricate flow and transport processes in microvascular networks and their role in different biological phenomena, including wound healing and tissue regeneration. The project may also lead to advances in drug delivery and organoid development. The project will also use the data obtained from 3D simulations to produce an interactive visualization using a video game engine that will be presented in a local High School.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.