Projects
Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Vascular and Umbilico-placental Tissues During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period marked by significant physiological changes, particularly in vascular biomechanics and mechanobiology. These changes play a crucial role in supporting the growing fetus. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 50%, necessitating adaptations in blood vessels to handle the higher volume without causing excessive rises in blood pressure. The compliance of blood vessels is particularly important, allowing them to expand and accommodate increased blood flow. Proper vascular function is critical, as impairments can lead to complications like preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and reduced placental blood flow, adversely affecting maternal and fetal health. Additionally, pregnancy can increase the risk of aneurysms and other cardiovascular diseases, both during and after pregnancy, due to the added stress on the vascular system. Umbilico-placental tissues also undergo significant changes, adapting to ensure efficient nutrient and oxygen transfer from mother to fetus. These tissues are vital in maintaining fetal development and health, underscoring the importance of their biomechanical properties. Statistics show that approximately 2.6 million stillbirths occur annually worldwide, with a significant proportion attributed to complications related to umblico-placental health. Therefore, we perform experimental and computational research in the field of vascular and umbilico-placental biomechanics and mechanobiology to discover the intricate physiological adaptations during pregnancy and to ensure successful outcomes for managing the long-term cardiovascular health of both mother and fetus.
Multi-Scale Biomechanics of the Tricuspid Valve
Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart, the tricuspid valve prevents blood backflow during systole. Our team members have developed a bench-top beating heart model to measure valve deformation (see video below). We have also quantified the valve structural and mechanical properties. We aim to understand how alteration of valve mechanical loading leads to microstructural and cellular responses.
Ocular Biomechanics and Biotransport
We have conducted studies to quantify biomechanical properties of normal and glaucomatous ocular tissues. We aim to better understand the mechanical interaction between the iris and aqueous humor and its relation to glaucoma pathophysiology. Our lab has also developed in-vivo image-based computational model to quantify the mechanical properties of the trabecular meshwork, another tissue important in development of glaucoma. Finally, our team has been developing computational models of the ocular globe to assess the risks associated with the intravitreal gas injection, a procedure that may be performed in patients suffering from retinal detachment.
Brain Biomechanics
Along with collaborators at the Conquer Chiari Research Center (CCRC), our team members have been developing a brain motion assessment tool, based on cine displacement-encoded stimulation echo magnetic resonance imaging technique. We aim to evaluate the brain tissue displacement and strain in type I Chiari malformation patients.