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    Neural Engineering

    (J-396) Development and Characterization of a Flow System for Flow Profiling in a Perfusion Bioreactor for Ischemic Stroke Research

    Friday, October 13, 2023
    9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row J - Poster # 396

      Presenting Author(s)

    • Destiny Drain

      Undergraduate Research Assistant
      Clemson University
      Pendleton, South Carolina, United States

      • Co-Author(s)

    • RF

      Reece Fratus

      Graduate Student
      Clemson University, United States

    • LA

      Lidadi Abigomi

      Research
      Clemson Univeristy, United States

      • Last Author(s)

    • BG

      Bruce Z. Gao

      Professor
      Clemson University, United States

      • Primary Investigator(s)

    • RG

      Richard Goodwin

      Professor
      University of South Carolina S, United States

    Introduction: Accurately modeling human disease, especially pathology, is challenging using traditional animal models and monolayers of cells in culture. To overcome these limitations, we aim to investigate the mechanisms of ischemic stroke and repair. By combining new imaging technologies and experimental setups, we designed and developed a flow system for flow profiling in the context of ischemic stroke research. This system provides valuable insights into the effects of material properties on flow behavior, which is crucial for understanding stroke pathology and improving stroke outcomes. Specifically, this project focuses on developing a functional flow system to measure flow profiles and pressure drops, examining the impact of flow across materials with different stiffness and roughness.

    Materials and Methods: A flow chamber was designed using SolidWorks software and fabricated through 3D printing using biocompatible resin. The chamber incorporates a mold for evaluating materials with distinct properties. Using this chamber, we compared two different materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a softer material, and SU8, which is much harder, to make a mold in which these liquid materials with be laid on top of sandpaper and, after curing, will have the imprinted sandpaper roughness on the surface to the material. By comparing fluid flow measurements across these two materials, we can use pressure drop analysis to determine the associated drag. Additionally, OCT imaging is employed with nanoparticles for shear profile visualization using particle image velocimetry near the material’s surface.

    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:

    The investigation of flow profiles and pressure drops concerning materials of varying stiffness and roughness will provide valuable insights into the behavior of the perfusion bioreactor system. By considering the softness of the brain tissue, which is a critical factor in ischemic stroke research, materials with higher stiffness exhibit reduced compatibility with the physiological environment. Consequently, we observed increased pressure drops and altered flow profiles in the presence of stiffer rougher materials. This correlation between material stiffness and brain tissue softness will provide important considerations for designing and developing stroke intervention strategies, ensuring better biocompatibility and improved outcomes.



    Acknowledgements (Optional): :

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