1
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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2
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Sciorio R, Rinaudo P. Culture conditions in the IVF laboratory: state of the ART and possible new directions. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2591-2607. [PMID: 37725178 PMCID: PMC10643723 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02934-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last four decades, the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field has witnessed advances, resulting in improving pregnancy rates and diminishing complications, in particular reduced incidence of multiple births. These improvements are secondary to advanced knowledge on embryonic physiology and metabolism, resulting in the ability to design new and improved culture conditions. Indeed, the incubator represents only a surrogate of the oviduct and uterus, and the culture conditions are only imitating the physiological environment of the female reproductive tract. In vivo, the embryo travels through a dynamic and changing environment from the oviduct to the uterus, while in vitro, the embryo is cultured in a static fashion. Importantly, while culture media play a critical role in optimising embryo development, a large host of additional factors are equally important. Additional potential variables, including but not limited to pH, temperature, osmolality, gas concentrations and light exposure need to be carefully controlled to prevent stress and permit optimal implantation potential. This manuscript will provide an overview of how different current culture conditions may affect oocyte and embryo viability with particular focus on human literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, CHUV-Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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3
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Low YJ, Kittur MI, Andriyana A, Ang BC, Zainal Abidin NI. A novel approach to evaluate the mechanical responses of elastin-like bioresorbable poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGCL) suture. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 140:105723. [PMID: 36821908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGCL) has become a novice to the bioresorbable suture owing to the synergistic properties taken from the homo-polyglycolide (PGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) such as excellent bioresorption and flexibility. In addition to under conventional monotonic loading, the understanding of mechanical responses of PGCL copolymers under complex loading conditions such as cyclic and stress relaxation is crucial for its application as a surgical suture. Consequently, the present work focuses on evaluating the mechanical responses of PGCL sutures under monotonic, cyclic, and stress relaxation loading conditions. Under monotonic loading, the stress-strain behavior of the PGCL suture was found to be non-linear with noticeable strain-rate dependence. Under cyclic loading, inelastic responses including stress-softening, hysteresis and permanent set were observed. During cyclic loading, both stress-softening and hysteresis were found to increase with the maximum strain. In multi-step stress relaxation, the PGCL sutures were observed to exhibit a strong viscoelastic response. In an attempt to describe the relationship between the stress-relaxation and strain-induced crystallization (SIC) occurring during the loading and relaxation processes, a schematic illustration of the conformational change of polymer chains in PGCL sutures was proposed in this work. Results showed that SIC was dependent on the strain level as well as the loading and relaxation durations. The inelastic phenomena observed in PGCL sutures can be thus correlated to the combined effect of stress relaxation and SIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y J Low
- Center of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M I Kittur
- Center of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Andriyana
- Center of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - B C Ang
- Center of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N I Zainal Abidin
- Center of Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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4
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Gu Z, Guo J, Zhai J, Feng G, Wang X, Gao Z, Li K, Ji S, Wang L, Xu Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Guo S, Yang M, Li L, Han H, Jiang L, Wen Y, Wang L, Hao J, Li W, Wang S, Wang H, Gu Q. A Uterus-Inspired Niche Drives Blastocyst Development to the Early Organogenesis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202282. [PMID: 35843885 PMCID: PMC9534964 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental physical features such as the mechanical properties and microstructures of the uterus need to be considered when building in vitro culture platforms to mimic the uterus for embryo implantation and further development but have long been neglected. Here, a uterus-inspired niche (UN) constructed by grafting collagen gels onto polydimethylsiloxane based on a systematic investigation of a series of parameters (varying concentrations and thicknesses of collagen gel) is established to intrinsically specify and simulate the mechanics and microstructures of the mouse uterus. This brand-new and unique system is robust in supporting embryo invasion, as evidenced by the special interaction between the embryos and the UN system and successfully promoting E3.5 embryo development into the early organogenesis stage. This platform serves as a powerful tool for developmental biology and tissue engineering.
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5
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Guo J, Li Y, Gao Z, Lyu J, Liu W, Duan Y, Zhou L, Gu Q. 3D printed controllable microporous scaffolds support embryonic development in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3408-3420. [PMID: 35699648 PMCID: PMC9545995 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the complex molecular and cellular events occurring during implantation, which represents a critical step for pregnancy. The conventional 2D culture could not support postimplantation embryos' normal development, and 3D conditions shed light into the “black box”. 3D printing technology has been widely used in recapitulating the structure and function of native tissues in vitro. Here, we 3D printed anisotropic microporous scaffolds to culture embryos by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, which affected embryo development. The 30° and 60° scaffolds promote embryo development with moderate embryo‐scaffold attachments. T‐positive cells and FOXA2‐positive cells were observed to appear in the posterior region of the embryo and migrated to the anterior region of the embryo on day 7. These findings demonstrate a 3D printed stand that supports embryonic development in vitro and the critical role of 3D architecture for embryo implantation, in which additive manufacturing is a versatile tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Postdoctoral Workstation, Precision Medicine Center of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zili Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Lyu
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchao Duan
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixun Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Gu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Rohanifar M, Johnston BB, Davis AL, Guang Y, Nommensen K, Fitzpatrick JA, Pham CN, Setton LA. Hydraulic permeability and compressive properties of porcine and human synovium. Biophys J 2022; 121:575-581. [PMID: 35032457 PMCID: PMC8874024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The synovium is a multilayer connective tissue separating the intra-articular spaces of the diarthrodial joint from the extra-synovial vascular and lymphatic supply. Synovium regulates drug transport into and out of the joint, yet its material properties remain poorly characterized. Here, we measured the compressive properties (aggregate modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio) and hydraulic permeability of synovium with a combined experimental-computational approach. A compressive aggregate modulus and Young's modulus for the solid phase of synovium were quantified from linear regression of the equilibrium confined and unconfined compressive stress upon strain, respectively (HA = 4.3 ± 2.0 kPa, Es = 2.1 ± 0.75, porcine; HA = 3.1 ± 2.0 kPa, Es = 2.8 ± 1.7, human). Poisson's ratio was estimated to be 0.39 and 0.40 for porcine and human tissue, respectively, from moduli values in a Monte Carlo simulation. To calculate hydraulic permeability, a biphasic finite element model's predictions were numerically matched to experimental data for the time-varying ramp and hold phase of a single increment of applied strain (k = 7.4 ± 4.1 × 10-15 m4/N.s, porcine; k = 7.4 ± 4.3 × 10-15 m4/N.s, human). We can use these newly measured properties to predict fluid flow gradients across the tissue in response to previously reported intra-articular pressures. These values for material constants are to our knowledge the first available measurements in synovium that are necessary to better understand drug transport in both healthy and pathological joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Rohanifar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Benjamin B. Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alexandra L. Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Young Guang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kayla Nommensen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - James A.J. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christine N. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lori A. Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri,Corresponding author
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7
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Saw SN, Dai Y, Yap CH. A Review of Biomechanics Analysis of the Umbilical-Placenta System With Regards to Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:587635. [PMID: 34475826 PMCID: PMC8406807 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.587635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is an important organ that is crucial for both fetal and maternal health. Abnormalities of the placenta, such as during intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia (PE) are common, and an improved understanding of these diseases is needed to improve medical care. Biomechanics analysis of the placenta is an under-explored area of investigation, which has demonstrated usefulness in contributing to our understanding of the placenta physiology. In this review, we introduce fundamental biomechanics concepts and discuss the findings of biomechanical analysis of the placenta and umbilical cord, including both tissue biomechanics and biofluid mechanics. The biomechanics of placenta ultrasound elastography and its potential in improving clinical detection of placenta diseases are also discussed. Finally, potential future work is listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shier Nee Saw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yichen Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Jiang M, Lawson ZT, Erel V, Pervere S, Nan T, Robbins AB, Feed AD, Moreno MR. Clamping soft biologic tissues for uniaxial tensile testing: A brief survey of current methods and development of a novel clamping mechanism. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 103:103503. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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9
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Gu Z, Guo J, Wang H, Wen Y, Gu Q. Bioengineered microenvironment to culture early embryos. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12754. [PMID: 31916359 PMCID: PMC7046478 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormalities of early post-implantation embryos can lead to early pregnancy loss and many other syndromes. However, it is hard to study embryos after implantation due to the limited accessibility. The success of embryo culture in vitro can avoid the challenges of embryonic development in vivo and provide a powerful research platform for research in developmental biology. The biophysical and chemical cues of the microenvironments impart significant spatiotemporal effects on embryonic development. Here, we summarize the main strategies which enable researchers to grow embryos outside of the body while overcoming the implantation barrier, highlight the roles of engineered microenvironments in regulating early embryonic development, and finally discuss the future challenges and new insights of early embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gu
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongqiang Wen
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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10
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Irannejad Parizi M, Ahmadian MT, Mohammadi H. Rigid-bar loading on pregnant uterus and development of pregnant abdominal response corridor based on finite element biomechanical model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020; 36:e3284. [PMID: 31733133 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, traumas can threaten maternal and fetal health. Various trauma effects on a pregnant uterus are little investigated. In the present study, a finite element model of a uterus along with a fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and two most effective ligament sets is developed. This model allows numerical evaluation of various loading on a pregnant uterus. The model geometry is developed based on CT-scan data and validated using anthropometric data. Applying Ogden hyper-elastic theory, material properties of uterine wall and placenta are developed. After simulating the "rigid-bar" abdominal loading, the impact force and abdominal penetration are investigated. Findings are compared with the experimental abdominal response corridor, previously developed for a nonpregnant abdomen. "Response corridor" denotes a bounded envelope in response space, within which the system responses usually lie. Results show that at low abdominal penetrations (less than 45 mm), the pregnant abdomen response is highly compatible with the nonpregnant case. While, at large penetrations, the pregnant abdomen demonstrates stiffer behavior. The reason must be the existence of a fetus in the model. This reveals that the existing response corridors would not be reliable to be extended for a pregnant abdomen. Hence, response corridor development for a pregnant abdomen is a crucial task. In this study, a new fixed-back rigid-bar loading response corridor is proposed for a pregnant abdomen using the load-penetration behavior of the developed model. This model and response corridor can help to study the pregnant uterus response to environmental loading and investigate the injury risk to the uterus and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hadi Mohammadi
- The Heart Valve Performance Laboratory, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Verbruggen SW, Oyen ML, Phillips ATM, Nowlan NC. Function and failure of the fetal membrane: Modelling the mechanics of the chorion and amnion. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171588. [PMID: 28350838 PMCID: PMC5370055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal membrane surrounds the fetus during pregnancy and is a thin tissue composed of two layers, the chorion and the amnion. While rupture of this membrane normally occurs at term, preterm rupture can result in increased risk of fetal mortality and morbidity, as well as danger of infection in the mother. Although structural changes have been observed in the membrane in such cases, the mechanical behaviour of the human fetal membrane in vivo remains poorly understood and is challenging to investigate experimentally. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop simplified finite element models to investigate the mechanical behaviour and rupture of the fetal membrane, particularly its constituent layers, under various physiological conditions. It was found that modelling the chorion and amnion as a single layer predicts remarkably different behaviour compared with a more anatomically-accurate bilayer, significantly underestimating stress in the amnion and under-predicting the risk of membrane rupture. Additionally, reductions in chorion-amnion interface lubrication and chorion thickness (reported in cases of preterm rupture) both resulted in increased membrane stress. Interestingly, the inclusion of a weak zone in the fetal membrane that has been observed to develop overlying the cervix would likely cause it to fail at term, during labour. Finally, these findings support the theory that the amnion is the dominant structural component of the fetal membrane and is required to maintain its integrity. The results provide a novel insight into the mechanical effect of structural changes in the chorion and amnion, in cases of both normal and preterm rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan W. Verbruggen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Michelle L. Oyen
- Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew T. M. Phillips
- Structural Biomechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh C. Nowlan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Gaur P, Chawla A, Verma K, Mukherjee S, Lalvani S, Malhotra R, Mayer C. Characterisation of human diaphragm at high strain rate loading. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 60:603-616. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Lau JS, Saw SN, Buist ML, Biswas A, Zaini Mattar CN, Yap CH. Mechanical testing and non-linear viscoelastic modelling of the human placenta in normal and growth restricted pregnancies. J Biomech 2016; 49:173-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Auriault F, Thollon L, Behr M. Development of a Gravid Uterus Model for the Study of Road Accidents Involving Pregnant Women. J Biomech Eng 2015; 138:2473565. [PMID: 26592419 DOI: 10.1115/1.4032055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Car accident simulations involving pregnant women are well documented in the literature and suggest that intra-uterine pressure could be responsible for the phenomenon of placental abruption, underlining the need for a realistic amniotic fluid model, including fluid-structure interactions (FSI). This study reports the development and validation of an amniotic fluid model using an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation in the LS-DYNA environment. Dedicated to the study of the mechanisms responsible for fetal injuries resulting from road accidents, the fluid model was validated using dynamic loading tests. Drop tests were performed on a deformable water-filled container at acceleration levels that would be experienced in a gravid uterus during a frontal car collision at 25 kph. During the test device braking phase, container deformation induced by inertial effects and FSI was recorded by kinematic analysis. These tests were then simulated in the LS-DYNA environment to validate a fluid model under dynamic loading, based on the container deformations. Finally, the coupling between the amniotic fluid model and an existing finite-element full-body pregnant woman model was validated in terms of pressure. To do so, experimental test results performed on four postmortem human surrogates (PMHS) (in which a physical gravid uterus model was inserted) were used. The experimental intra-uterine pressure from these tests was compared to intra uterine pressure from a numerical simulation performed under the same loading conditions. Both free fall numerical and experimental responses appear strongly correlated. The relationship between the amniotic fluid model and pregnant woman model provide intra-uterine pressure values correlated with the experimental test responses. The use of an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation allows the analysis of FSI between the amniotic fluid and the gravid uterus during a road accident involving pregnant women.
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15
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Kemper AR, Santago AC, Stitzel JD, Sparks JL, Duma SM. Effect of Strain Rate on the Material Properties of Human Liver Parenchyma in Unconfined Compression. J Biomech Eng 2013; 135:104503-8. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4024821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most frequently injured organs in abdominal trauma. Although motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause of liver injuries, current anthropomorphic test devices are not equipped to predict the risk of sustaining abdominal organ injuries. Consequently, researchers rely on finite element models to assess the potential risk of injury to abdominal organs such as the liver. These models must be validated based on appropriate biomechanical data in order to accurately assess injury risk. This study presents a total of 36 uniaxial unconfined compression tests performed on fresh human liver parenchyma within 48 h of death. Each specimen was tested once to failure at one of four loading rates (0.012, 0.106, 1.036, and 10.708 s−1) in order to investigate the effects of loading rate on the compressive failure properties of human liver parenchyma. The results of this study showed that the response of human liver parenchyma is both nonlinear and rate dependent. Specifically, failure stress significantly increased with increased loading rate, while failure strain significantly decreased with increased loading rate. The failure stress and failure strain for all liver parenchyma specimens ranged from −38.9 kPa to −145.9 kPa and from −0.48 strain to −1.15 strain, respectively. Overall, this study provides novel biomechanical data that can be used in the development of rate dependent material models and the identification of tissue-level tolerance values, which are critical to the validation of finite element models used to assess injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stefan M. Duma
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech—Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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16
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Pérès J, Thollon L, Delotte J, Tillier Y, Brunet C, Kayvantash K, Behr M. Material properties of the placenta under dynamic loading conditions. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2012; 17:958-64. [PMID: 23061569 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2012.727403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Trauma during pregnancy especially occurring during car crashes leads to many foetal losses. Numerical modelling is widely used in car occupant safety issue and injury mechanisms analysis and is particularly adapted to the pregnant woman. Material modelling of the gravid uterus tissues is crucial for injury risk evaluation especially for the abruption placentae which is widely assumed as the leading cause of foetal loss. Experimental studies on placenta behaviour in tension are reported in the literature, but none in compression to the authors' knowledge. This lack of data is addressed in this study. To complement the already available experimental literature data on the placenta mechanical behaviour and characterise it in a compression loading condition, 80 indentation tests on fresh placentae are presented. Hyperelastic like mean experimental stress versus strain and corridors are exposed. The results of the experimental placenta indentations compared with the tensile literature results tend to show a quasi-symmetrical behaviour of the tissue. An inverse analysis using simple finite element models has permitted to propose parameters for an Ogden material model for the placenta which exhibits a realistic behaviour in both tension and compression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Pérès
- a Aix-Marseille Univ., LBA , F-13015 Marseille , France
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17
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Characterization of ovine utero-placental interface tensile failure. Placenta 2012; 33:776-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Kolahi KS, Donjacour A, Liu X, Lin W, Simbulan RK, Bloise E, Maltepe E, Rinaudo P. Effect of substrate stiffness on early mouse embryo development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41717. [PMID: 22860009 PMCID: PMC3409240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that cells are remarkably sensitive to the biophysical cues of their microenvironment and that these cues play a significant role in influencing their behaviors. In this study, we investigated whether the early pre-implantation embryo is sensitive to mechanical cues, i.e. the elasticity of the culture environment. To test this, we have developed a new embryo culture system where the mechanical properties of the embryonic environment can be precisely defined. The contemporary standard environment for embryo culture is the polystyrene petri dish (PD), which has a stiffness (1 GPa) that is six orders of magnitude greater than the uterine epithelium (1 kPa). To approximate more closely the mechanical aspects of the in vivo uterine environment we used polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) or fabricated 3D type I collagen gels (1 kPa stiffness, Col-1k group). Mouse embryo development on alternate substrates was compared to that seen on the petri dish; percent development, hatching frequency, and cell number were observed. Our results indicated that embryos are sensitive to the mechanical environment on which they are cultured. Embryos cultured on Col-1k showed a significantly greater frequency of development to 2-cell (68 ± 15% vs. 59 ± 18%), blastocyst (64 ± 9.1% vs. 50 ± 18%) and hatching blastocyst stages (54 ± 25% vs. 21 ± 16%) and an increase in the number of trophectodermal cell (TE,65 ± 13 vs. 49 ± 12 cells) compared to control embryos cultured in PD (mean ± S.D.; p<.01). Embryos cultured on Col-1k and PD were transferred to recipient females and observed on embryonic day 12.5. Both groups had the same number of fetuses, however the placentas of the Col-1k fetuses were larger than controls, suggesting a continued effect of the preimplantation environment. In summary, characteristics of the preimplantation microenvironment affect pre- and post-implantation growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Kolahi
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Annemarie Donjacour
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wingka Lin
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rhodel K. Simbulan
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emin Maltepe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Weed BC, Borazjani A, Patnaik SS, Prabhu R, Horstemeyer MF, Ryan PL, Franz T, Williams LN, Liao J. Stress State and Strain Rate Dependence of the Human Placenta. Ann Biomed Eng 2012; 40:2255-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Manoogian SJ, Bisplinghoff JA, Kemper AR, Duma SM. Dynamic material properties of the pregnant human uterus. J Biomech 2012; 45:1724-7. [PMID: 22542221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Given that automobile crashes are the largest single cause of death for pregnant females, scientists are developing advanced computer models of pregnant occupants. The purpose of this study is to quantify the dynamic material properties of the human uterus in order to increase the biofidelity of these models. A total of 19 dynamic tension tests were performed on pregnant human uterus tissues taken from six separate donors. The tissues were collected during full term Cesarean style deliveries and tested within 36 h of surgery. The tissues were processed into uniform coupon sections and tested at 1.5 strains/s using linear motors. Local stress and strain were determined from load data and optical markers using high speed video. The experiments resulted in a non-linear stress versus strain curves with an overall average peak failure true strain of 0.32±0.112 and a corresponding peak failure true stress of 656.3±483.9 kPa. These are the first data available for the dynamic response of pregnant human uterus tissues, and it is anticipated they will increase the accuracy of future pregnant female computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Manoogian
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, 313 ICTAS Building, Stanger Street MC 0298, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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21
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External Landmark, Body Surface, and Volume Data of a Mid-Sized Male in Seated and Standing Postures. Ann Biomed Eng 2012; 40:2019-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0546-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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22
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Biomechanical response of human spleen in tensile loading. J Biomech 2012; 45:348-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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A Stochastic Visco-hyperelastic Model of Human Placenta Tissue for Finite Element Crash Simulations. Ann Biomed Eng 2010; 39:1074-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-010-0222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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24
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Dorez M, Delotte J, Behr M, Thollon L, Tillier Y, Azuar P, Bongain A, Brunet C. [Experimental research on mechanical behavior of human placenta]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE & FERTILITE 2010; 38:429-432. [PMID: 20576559 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determination of mechanical properties of human placenta. PATIENTS AND METHODS Realisation of an experimental study using 80 human placentas and modelisation of this study using a finite element numerical model. Using the inverse analysis method, research of the parameters of placenta's behavior. RESULTS Hyper-Visco-Elastic law written by Ogden, optimized for placenta with parameters: mu(1)=0.0001881Mpa, mu(2)=-0.000240Mpa, mu(3)=mu(4)=0Mpa and alpha(1)=2, alpha(2)=-8, alpha(3)=alpha(4)=0 in static condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The parameters enable an approach of the mechanical behavior of the placenta. They could be used in numerical modelisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dorez
- reproduction et de médecine foetale, hôpital Archet, Nice, France
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Hu J, Klinich KD, Miller CS, Nazmi G, Pearlman MD, Schneider LW, Rupp JD. Quantifying dynamic mechanical properties of human placenta tissue using optimization techniques with specimen-specific finite-element models. J Biomech 2009; 42:2528-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Manoogian SJ, Bisplinghoff JA, McNally C, Kemper AR, Santago AC, Duma SM. Effect of Strain Rate on the Tensile Material Properties of Human Placenta. J Biomech Eng 2009; 131:091008. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Automobile crashes are the largest cause of injury death for pregnant females and the leading cause of traumatic fetal injury mortality in the United States. Computational models, useful tools to evaluate the risk of fetal loss in motor vehicle crashes, are based on a limited number of quasistatic material tests of the placenta. This study presents a total of 64 uniaxial tensile tests on coupon specimens from six human placentas at three strain rates. Material properties of the placental tissue were evaluated at strain rates of 0.07/s, 0.70/s, and 7.00/s. The test data have average failure strains of 0.34, 0.36, and 0.37, respectively. Failure stresses of 10.8 kPa, 11.4 kPa, and 18.6 kPa correspond to an increase in strain rate from 0.07/s to 7.0/s. The results indicate rate dependence only when comparing the highest strain rate of 7.0/s to either of the lower rates. There is no significant rate dependence between 0.07/s and 0.70/s. When compared with previous testing of placental tissue, the current study addresses the material response to more strain rates as well as provides a much larger set of available data. In summary, tensile material properties for the placenta have been determined for use in computational modeling of pregnant occupant kinematics in events ranging from low impact activities to severe impacts such as in motor vehicle crashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Manoogian
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | | | - Craig McNally
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Andrew R. Kemper
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Anthony C. Santago
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Stefan M. Duma
- Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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