Physiological fluids

Presentation

In this research theme, our objective is to make a significant contribution to the understanding of the transport processes taking place in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, in the perspective of being able to propose innovative solutions for various pathologies.

Regarding the respiratory system, we have two distinct, but coupled, interests. The first objective of our research is to go towards a better understanding of the dynamics of the bronchial mucus, in healthy and unhealthy people. Human bronchi are covered with a thin layer of mucus. This layer acts as a trap for inspired fine particles and microorganisms. However, today, the dynamics of the bronchial mucus is still poorly understood. In addition, it is known that, in the context of certain diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, this dynamics is significantly impaired. In collaboration with the pulmonology department of the Erasme Hospital, our goal is to improve the understanding of the bronchial mucus dynamics by combining in silico (modelling and simulation) and in vitro (laboratory experiments) studies. A specific objective is to analyse the coupling, potentially very important, between the rheology of the mucus and the respiratory conditions (respiration frequency, breathing air temperature and humidity…). Another of our objectives is to understand how the heterogeneity of the lungs (whether natural or induced by pathologies) influences the exchange processes within it (water, heat, oxygen transport). In this context, we are interested in describing the dynamics of the NO, a physiological molecule that can be considered as a marker of different phenomena. In particular, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute (Sweden), we are studying how this molecule can be used as a tool for monitoring respiratory function on the International Space Station (ISS).

Regarding the cardiovascular system, our interest lies in the development of models of blood circulation (systemic and pulmonary circulations). The approaches followed are varied, ranging from the use of computational fluid dynamics to representations of the cardiovascular system in the form of equivalent electrical circuits. The objective is then to use these models to develop non-invasive methods for determining the cardiac output or to simulate ballistocardiography (BCG) signals. BCG is a medical technique consisting in measuring, thanks to sensors, the small movements of the body induced by the blood circulation.

Finally, as part of the Nasal cast project, we aim to develop, through digital simulation and 3D printing, solutions to optimize the "nose-to-brain" delivery of drugs against degenerative diseases. We are also interested in the analysis of the complex heat and water exchanges in the nasal cavity, contributing to the conditioning of the air when breathing. 

Contact : Benoit Haut