Microfluidic models of the human circulatory system: versatile platforms for exploring mechanobiology and disease modeling |
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| Authors: | Ngan Nguyen Peter Thurgood Nadia Chandra Sekar Sheng Chen Elena Pirogova Karlheinz Peter Sara Baratchi Khashayar Khoshmanesh |
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| Affiliation: | 1.School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia ;2.School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia ;3.Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia ;4.Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The human circulatory system is a marvelous fluidic system, which is very sensitive to biophysical and biochemical cues. The current animal and cell culture models do not recapitulate the functional properties of the human circulatory system, limiting our ability to fully understand the complex biological processes underlying the dysfunction of this multifaceted system. In this review, we discuss the unique ability of microfluidic systems to recapitulate the biophysical, biochemical, and functional properties of the human circulatory system. We also describe the remarkable capacity of microfluidic technologies for exploring the complex mechanobiology of the cardiovascular system, mechanistic studying of cardiovascular diseases, and screening cardiovascular drugs with the additional benefit of reducing the need for animal models. We also discuss opportunities for further advancement in this exciting field. |
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| Keywords: | Microfluidics Organ-on-a-chip Human circulatory system Cardiovascular diseases Mechanobiology |
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