A vascular network refers to the intricate system of blood vessels within the human body, responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to organs and tissues while removing waste products. This network includes arteries that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, veins that return deoxygenated blood, and capillaries for exchange. Maintaining a healthy vascular network is crucial for overall well-being. Vascular diseases, like atherosclerosis, can disrupt blood flow and lead to serious health issues. Understanding and treating vascular conditions are essential for ensuring proper organ function and overall health.
Published in Chapter:
Emergent Applications of Organ-on-a-Chip (OOAC) Technologies With Artificial Vascular Networks in the 21st Century
Ranjit Barua (Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, India), Nirmalendu Biswas (Jadavpur University, India), and Deepanjan Das (Jadavpur University, India)
Copyright: © 2024
|Pages: 22
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-1214-8.ch010
Abstract
The organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technology stands at the forefront of emergent technologies, representing a biomimetic configuration of functional organs on a microfluidic chip. This technology synergizes biomedical engineering, cell biology, and biomaterial technology to mimic the microenvironment of specific organs. It effectively replicates the biomechanical and biological soft tissue interfaces, enabling the simulation of organ functionality and responses to various stimuli, including drug reactions and environmental effects. OOAC has vast implications for precision medicine and biological defense strategies. In this chapter, the authors delve into the principles of OOAC, exploring its role in creating physiological models and discussing its advantages, current challenges, and prospects. This examination is significant as it highlights the transformative potential of OOAC technologies in the 21st century and contributes to a deeper understanding of OOAC's applications in advancing medical research.