Engineered in vitro carotid artery flow model of endothelial dysfunction in Sickle cell disease

Authors

• HS Lee
• MO Platt

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production that causes sickle shaped red blood cells to disturb blood flow and hinder oxygen delivery. Various vascular complications such as stroke, pose a significant health risk, especially among pediatric sickle cell disease patients. The MATRICES Lab is utilizing microfabricated devices to investigate the interactions between endothelial cells and blood cells under flow conditions to identify mechanisms to prevent stroke in children affected by SCD by understanding factors that contribute to endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in large arteries. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production that causes sickle shaped red blood cells to disturb blood flow and hinder oxygen delivery. Various vascular complications such as stroke, pose a significant health risk, especially among pediatric sickle cell disease patients. The microfabricated blood vessel model was formed with fibrin gel incorporating dye-quenched collagen that allows for the visualization, tracking, and analysis of cellular behavior under a microscope through the fluorescent signal that DQ emits upon cleavage or degradation of the gel.

Scientific Focus Area: Biomedical Engineering and Biophysics

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