Exploratory FEM-Based Multiphysics Oxygen Transport and Cell Viability Models for Isolated Pancreatic Islets

P. Buchwald
Diabetes Research Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
Published in 2008

Cellular-level oxygen consumption and cell viability models incorporating physiologically realistic assumptions and fully scaled 2D/3D geometries have been implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics for isolated pancreatic islets.

Oxygen consumption was assumed to follow Michaelis-Menten–type kinetics and to cease when local concentrations fell below a critical threshold. Results are in good agreement with experimental observations. By coupling this convection and diffusion model to the Navier–Stokes equations, true multiphysics models could be obtained for more complex cases such as perifusion chambers with flowing media or culture plates with rocking plate-induced agitation.

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