Design and Simulation of Proximal Convoluted Tubule Flow Kinetics for Kidney-on-chip Applications

Abstract

The primary function of human kidney is purifying the impure blood in the body. In addition to this, kidney performs balance homeostasis, solute balance and blood pressure maintenance. Proximal convoluted tube (PCT) is a primary part in the nephron which plays a crucial role in the excretion, secretion and re-absorption of solutes and proteins. While performing all these functions, kidneys tends to get affected in several ways leading to failure of the kidney. Artificial kidneys containing human proximal convoluted tubule cells have been applied in clinical trials and research trends to study how the lumen fluid flows in and out in PCT. This paper proposes a novel design considering the flow kinetics and accurate dimensions of PCT to develop an artificial bio-reactor which helps in kidney-on-chip applications. The model considers transporting channels which are connected straight and inclined to main tubule. The modelling, simulation, and analysis are carried out to optimize the flow in the proposed structure. The analytical formulae developed are considered and a model has been built in FEM tool. The total volumetric flow through straight channels is 0.63×10-16 which is comparatively less than slant channels 0.72×10-16. The obtained simulated results have good correlation with analytical analysis. Finally, the shape of main tubule has been analysed with two different shapes straight and diagonal. The straight tubule is considered for its ease of practical realization and acceptable flow velocity.

Keywords: Fluid shear stress, kidney-on-chip, microfluidics, nephron, proximal convoluted tubule, re-absorption

Cite this Article: Jasti Sateesh, M. Surya Manoj, S. Shahrukh Sohail, Koushik Guha, Arindam Dutta, Pratim Sengupta, K. Srinivasa Rao. Design and Simulation of Proximal Convoluted Tubule Flow Kinetics for Kidney-on-chip Applications. Journal of Operating Systems Development & Trends. 2020; 7(1): 14–21p.