Carotid-Artery-On-A-Chip device to model thromboembolisms induced by vascular lesions and perform drug screenings
This project will be focused on designing a microfluidic device to visualize haemodynamics within a carotid-artery mimetic device. The system will be designed to evaluate associations especially between fibrinogen, erythrocytes, and platelets when subjected to shear and coagulation-inducing factors. The design will include biologically and mechanically variable properties as may occur in transient ischaemic attacks (TIA). The intended system is to have similar composition and dimensions as the extra-cranial (common to internal) carotid arteries. Physiologically relevant dimensions will be implemented where the common artery will have a lumen diameter of 6.1 mm with variable thickness (0.6 to 0.9 mm), whereas the internal artery will be 4.7 mm in diameter with thickness of 0.7mm. The system will be equipped with pressure and stretch-inducing mechanics which can be modulated to trigger rheological and biological responses. Specifically, stretching will cause exposure of tissue factor and lipids, capable of triggering inflammatory coagulation. The proximal formation of biological or physical occlusions will be assessed using this device. Also, the design will enable visualization of intra-vascular activity as may be illustrated in live high-resolution confocal microscopy. Flow properties of liquids with varied rheological properties similar to blood will be tested. Clinicians and researchers studying the pathology of strokes and TIAs or conducting studies on intravascular thrombosis will be able to engage this device in experiments while pharmaceutical developers will be able to engage the device in testing actions of therapeutic agents.
Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally and through the development of this device, both developers and potential users of the device will be able to explore effective and applicable solutions. Elvesys will avail the researcher an enriching environment to master IP, marketing concepts, patenting and public engagement.