Design:

Design of optimized geometry and topology for the microvascular networks that are to be integrated with the engineered tissue in order to provide permanent nutrition to the cells and tissue. Two different sets of techniques are being explored in this regard: (a) Mathematical techniques based on fractal branching models, (b). Empirical noninvasive techniques such as micro Computer Tomography (µCT).

Microvascular Fluid Mechanics:

Development of a computational model for simulation of blood flow in microcirculation, taking into account blood's complex rheology and particulate nature. This model provides a robust tool for examining the effects of different topological configuration on the distribution of blood flow and the hemodynamic state within the microvascular network across a tissue bed.

Transport:

Development of a computational model based on finite element technologies for simulation of mass transport of oxygen and nutrients for intra- and extra-vascular regions across the tissue bed. This software will be used to evaluate the distribution of oxygen and nutrients across any tissue geometry with any general network topology.

Others:

Reconstruction of 3-D models of the embryonic gene expression patterns and related morphological structures from the serial histological sections that are generated by noninvasive techniques such as micro Computer Tomography (µCT).