We are concerned with developing complex tissue models of biological tissues using multiscale descriptions of physical interactions at several levels according to the arrangement of their heterogeneous structure. Such models allow for the description of macroscopically observed phenomena, considering multiphysics interactions and the geometrical arrangement of tissue microstructure. This concept is a prerequisite for basic research in the physiological processes in tissues, as it allows simulating the influence of biomechanical and physiological processes by changing some parameters.
The aim is to develop supporting tools and computer models for the development of biomaterials and materials for other engineering applications, inspired by the functional organization of biological tissues. To model blood perfusion and related physiological processes, tissue models will be applied for complex organ simulations, especially the liver and cerebral parenchyma.
In cardiovascular biomechanics, models of pathologically damaged blood vessels, bypasses, and aneurysms are being developed.
An integral part of model creation, calibration, and validation is processing large data sets from perfusion CT scans in clinical conditions or data from image analysis and stereology of tissue samples. To meet this need, a microscopy and stereology laboratory has been established at NTIS to focus on quantitative analysis of microscopic samples to characterize the vasculature of organs, particularly the liver and brain.
A separate part of the project is the modelling of unstable injuries of the posterior pelvic segment in normal or pathological conditions of the bone structure. The modelling aims to conduct studies leading to the development of methodologies for the use of bone cement to increase the stiffness of fixation in osteoporotic bone.