Biomimetic vascular network and devices using the same

摘要

The invention provides method of fabricating a scaffold comprising a fluidic network, including the steps of: (a) generating an initial vascular layer for enclosing the chamber and providing fluid to the cells, the initial vascular layer having a network of channels for fluid; (b) translating the initial vascular layer into a model for fluid dynamics analysis; (c) analyzing the initial vascular layer based on desired parameters selected from the group consisting of a characteristic of a specific fluid, an input pressure, an output pressure, an overall flow rate and combinations thereof to determine sheer stress and velocity within the network of channels; (d) measuring the sheer stress and the velocity and comparing the obtained values to predetermined values; (e) determining if either of the shear stress or the velocity are greater than or less than the predetermined values, and (f) optionally modifying the initial vascular layer and repeating steps (b)-(e). The invention also provides compositions comprising a vascular layer for use in tissue lamina as well as a medical devices having a vascular layer and kits.

主权项

1. An artificial vascular layer comprising:
a substrate defining a network of channels arranged in a pattern having at least one input channel, at least one output channel, and a plurality of intermediate channels connecting the at least one input channel and the at least one output channel, each channel having a height, a length, a width, and a diameter, wherein the intermediate channels undergo multiple branching and rejoining to form hexagonal areas intermediate to the intermediate channels, wherein the intermediate channels are formed by varying said height and width with respect to adjacent portions of the channels and the length of a smallest of the intermediate channels is formed based on the respective diameter whereby said smallest intermediate channel has a biomimetic length.