French Sorbonne University Student Executes Fluid Dynamics Simulation Project for Organ Chips

Maxence Maire, a computer science student at the Sorbonne University in France, has completed a fluid dynamics simulation project for organ chips. Max’s research focused on the design of microfluidic channels in organ chips to better replicate the functions of organs. At the Takahashi Lab, he used computer fluid dynamics simulations to study the speed of the flow of culture medium in organ chips, the conditions for the occurrence of turbulence, and the shear stress on the surface of cells.

Max designed the microfluidic channels in organ chips using 3D CAD software. He then input the viscosity, density, flow rate, and pressure of the culture medium that is used to perfuse the organ chips as parameters into the simulations. This allowed him to establish a method for accurately predicting the flow of culture medium in channels of various shapes.

As a computer science student, this internship in Professor Takahashi’s team truly was a wonderful experience. Discovering the field of organ-on-a-chip technology and getting to work alongside scientists with a very different background was extremely enriching. I am happy to have contributed to their research, as constructing the microchip simulations was by far the most interesting work I had the opportunity of accomplishing as part of my studies. I got to be creative, when creating new chip designs, I had to learn quickly, when working with new tools like CFD solvers, and working within a team of one of the smartest, most kind-hearted researchers I know turned this internship into an amazing and deeply rewarding experience I will never forget.

Maxence Maire

Max’s research is expected to lead to further development of organ chip technology. Organ chips are being considered as a new drug development tool that could replace traditional animal experiments. Max’s research is expected to help organ chips to be used for more accurate drug development.

Related: Qiang Li embarks on a Ph.D. journey to develop lung fibrosis on a chip
Related: Presentation on Organ-on-a-chip Research at the 100th Anniversary Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan

Takahashi Lab at Okayama University uses principles of physiology, cellular and molecular biology, biomecial engineering and biophysics. The purpose of the lab is to develop science and medicine by unveiling the mechanisms of diseases through collaborations with scientists, epidemiologists, and corporate alliances. The alliance includes Harvard University, Boston University, Texas A&M University, Sorbonne University, and PD Aerospace, Ltd.