Abstract

Vascular Human Microphysiological Systems

George Truskey, R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University

Microphysiological systems (MPS) are micron scale three-dimensional models of key structural or functional units of human organs or tissues.  Such systems can be used to model diseases and test therapeutics.  Models of the vascular system have examined both microvascular networks and large blood vessels. The strengths and limitations methods to produce microvascular and arteriole-scale MPS will be described.  Human cells sources for endothelium and medial cells will be considered, including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPs) to produce function endothelium and smooth muscle cells.  Applications of these systems to model genetic and acquired diseases and evaluate therapeutics will be described.