A Comprehensive Framework for Predictive Computational Modeling of Growth and Remodeling in Tissue-Engineered Cardiovascular Implants
Journal:
arXiv
Published Date:
Mar 21, 2025
Abstract
Developing clinically viable tissue-engineered cardiovascular implants
remains a formidable challenge. Achieving reliable and durable outcomes
requires a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms driving tissue
evolution during in vitro maturation. Although considerable progress has been
made in modeling soft tissue growth and remodeling, studies focused on the
early stages of tissue engineering remain limited. Here, we present a general,
thermodynamically consistent model to predict tissue evolution and mechanical
response throughout maturation. The formulation utilizes a stress-driven
homeostatic surface to capture volumetric growth, coupled with an energy-based
approach to describe collagen densification via the strain energy of the
fibers. We further employ a co-rotated intermediate configuration to ensure the
model's consistency and generality. The framework is demonstrated with two
numerical examples: a uniaxially constrained tissue strip validated against
experimental data, and a biaxially constrained specimen subjected to a
perturbation load. These results highlight the potential of the proposed model
to advance the design and optimization of tissue-engineered implants with
clinically relevant performance.
