Blood Flow Characterization in a Perfused Collagen Vessel Bioreactor Using X-ray Micro-piv

The design of well-characterized, adaptable, blood-perfused tissue models has become a central objective of the emerging field of tumor engineering, as physiologically accurate in vitro vascular models can provide new avenues for modulation of the tumor microenvironment and preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic potential of new treatments. The characterization of fluid parameters in perfused tissue models is a critical step towards understanding and manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. The recent development of x-ray phase contrast particle image velocimetry has enabled measurement of blood flow in simple systems. This study presents high-resolution blood velocity measurements in a three-dimensional collagen microvessel bioreactor using synchrotron xray illumination. These results provide the groundwork for future flow measurements in a fully functioning blood-perfused tumor model.