Vascular network-inspired fluidic system (VasFluidics) with spatially functionalizable membranous walls

Yafeng Yu, Yi Pan, Yanting Shen, Jingxuan Tian, Ruotong Zhang, Wei Guo, Chang Li and Ho Cheung Shum ()
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Yafeng Yu: The University of Hong Kong
Yi Pan: The University of Hong Kong
Yanting Shen: The University of Hong Kong
Jingxuan Tian: The University of Hong Kong
Ruotong Zhang: The University of Hong Kong
Wei Guo: The University of Hong Kong
Chang Li: The University of Hong Kong
Ho Cheung Shum: The University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract In vascular networks, the transport across different vessel walls regulates chemical compositions in blood over space and time. Replicating such trans-wall transport with spatial heterogeneity can empower synthetic fluidic systems to program fluid compositions spatiotemporally. However, it remains challenging as existing synthetic channel walls are typically impermeable or composed of homogeneous materials without functional heterogeneity. This work presents a vascular network-inspired fluidic system (VasFluidics), which is functionalizable for spatially different trans-wall transport. Facilitated by embedded three-dimensional (3D) printing, elastic, ultrathin, and semipermeable walls self-assemble electrostatically. Physicochemical reactions between fluids and walls are localized to vary the trans-wall molecules among separate regions, for instance, by confining solutions or locally immobilizing enzymes on the outside of channels. Therefore, fluid compositions can be regulated spatiotemporally, for example, to mimic blood changes during glucose absorption and metabolism. Our VasFluidics expands opportunities to replicate biofluid processing in nature, providing an alternative to traditional fluidics.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45781-3

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