Heart Valve Dynamic Multilayered Organ-on-Chip
Overview
Key Benefits
The Heart Valve DynaMOC model is designed to simulate complex cardiovascular pathophysiology. Featuring hydrogel layers that mimic native tissue structures and fluid flow that replicates physiological blood pressure conditions, DynaMOC enables more accurate modeling of heart valve function than traditional in vitro systems.
Heart valves experience constant mechanical forces in the body, including cyclic stretching and blood flow, which play a critical role in maintaining healthy function and driving disease progression. However, many existing models fail to replicate these combined mechanical and structural conditions. DynaMOC addresses this gap by integrating biomimetic materials with dynamic mechanical stimulation, allowing researchers to study how physical forces influence cellular behavior and tissue remodeling. The platform recreates the layered architecture of native valve tissue using engineered extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking hydrogels, enabling both healthy and diseased states, such as calcific valve disease, to be modeled in a controlled environment. This makes DynaMOC a powerful tool for investigating disease mechanisms, identifying therapeutic targets, and evaluating potential treatments in a physiologically relevant setting.
Valve Disease Modeling
Realistic Mechanical Simulation
Advanced Biomaterial Integration
Molecular & Proteomic Analysis
Enables study of calcific and degenerative valve diseases.
Recreates cyclic strain and hemodynamic forces.
Mimics native extracellular matrix structure.
Model Overview
Supports investigation of signaling pathways and disease markers.
DynaMOC uses fiber-reinforced, ECM-mimicking hydrogel composites to replicate the layered structure of native heart valves.The system applies cyclic mechanical stretching and fluid flow, mimicking the forces experienced during the cardiac cycle. Cells are cultured within or on these materials, allowing direct study of how mechanical stress influences biological responses.Advanced fabrication techniques, including microfabrication and 3D structuring, are used to recreate the complex 3D architecture of valve tissue.
Validation
DynaMOC has been validated through the successful development of both healthy and diseased (including calcific) valve models, demonstrating its ability to replicate key aspects of heart valve pathology.Engineered hydrogel systems have been shown to accurately mimic native extracellular matrix composition and structure, including fiber-reinforced and multilayered architectures similar to those found in human valves. These materials have been characterized and confirmed to support physiologically relevant cellular behavior.Proteomic profiling of the models has revealed distinct molecular differences between healthy and diseased conditions, supporting the platform’s ability to capture disease-specific biological changes.In addition, advanced imaging techniques, including fluorescence-based analysis, have demonstrated clear structural and functional differences between valve states, further validating the model’s relevance for studying disease progression and tissue remodeling under realistic mechanical conditions.
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