PhD Defense: Aurelia Bucciarelli Investigates In Vitro Microvascular Networks

In this work, Aurelia utilized an in vitro microfluidic model to investigate the impact of lingering red blood cells (LRBCs) and pericyte activation on RBC distribution and flow dynamics. In a first study, she investigated RBC dynamics at bifurcations using a microfluidic chip with a single diverging bifurcation. In a second study, Aurelia then explored the impact of capillary cross-sectional area changes induced by pericyte activation, a mechanism associated with functional hyperemia.

Her main findings showed new insights into the interplay between localized flow regulation and systemic capillary network dynamics. Aurelia's two studies revealed how geometric and dynamic factors influence RBC behavior and perfusion, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding capillary function in both physiological and pathological contexts.

Congratulations to Dr. Aurelia Bucciarelli on this incredible achievement and furthering our understanding of microvascular networks!

Publications:

Bucciarelli, Aurelia; Mantegazza, Alberto; Haeberlin, Andreas David Heinrich; Obrist, Dominik (2024). Relation between hematocrit partitioning and red blood cell lingering in a microfluidic network. Biophysical Journal 123(19), pp. 3355-3365. Elsevier 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.07.042

Morrison, Miranda; Bucciarelli, Aurelia; Korda, Athanasia; Goetz, Leonie Sarah; Caversaccio, Marco D.; Obrist, Dominik; Mantoukoudis, Georgios (2025). Impact of Vibrations and Rapid Decelerations on SemontPLUS Maneuver Efficacy: An In Vitro Study. Otology & Neurotology 46(3) pp. e81-e87. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004412