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- Title
A multilayer design of parallel-plate flow chamber for studies of endothelial cell response to fluid shear stress.
- Authors
Sungkwon Kang; Won Hee Lee; Hirani, Anjali; Vlachos, Pavlos P.; Yong Woo Lee
- Abstract
Integrity and functions of vascular endothelial cells are greatly affected by shear stress. Consequently researchers have developed various in vitro systems to subject endothelial cells under precisely controlled fluid conditions. Overcomplicated designs of the conventional flow devices, however, have impeded such implementation. In the present study, we designed and developed a novel parallel-plate flow chamber. It consists of multiple layers of different materials to flexibly adjust the required geometries of the chamber and provide a wide span of applications. Because the chamber stacks separate layers to constitute the flow channel, different pieces can be easily removed or replaced. Moreover, the multilayer design only involves 2D cutting, which is easier and faster to manufacture. It is also capable of accepting up to four glass slides facing each other so that the flow within the channel is exclusively formed by endothelial cells. Furthermore, it minimizes the pressure loss across the chamber while maximizing the effective area of endothelial cells up to 96 cm². Results from mathematical analysis of the geometry and dye injection experiments through the chamber showed that a uniform magnitude of shear stress is applied throughout the entire surface of endothelial cells.
- Subjects
VASCULAR endothelium; CELLS; PHYSIOLOGICAL stress; BLOOD flow; BLOOD pressure
- Publication
FASEB Journal, 2007, Vol 21, Issue 5, pA484
- ISSN
0892-6638
- Publication type
Article