Research

Lymphatic Pumping Dynamics

Lymphatic Pumping Dynamics

A major function of the lymphatic vasculature is maintaining fluid homeostasis by returning interstitial fluid from all of the body’s tissues to the venous system. Lymphatic pumping is achieved by a combination…

Lymphatic muscle cells in the wall of a rat mesenteric lymphatic vessel.

Lymphatic Muscle Contraction Dynamics

Contraction of lymphatic muscle cells is crucial for propelling lymph through the body.  These cells are a hybrid of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscle types. Experimental evidence on whole cannulated vessels shows…

Illustration of Stem Cells

Cell Therapy Injection Strategies

Stem cells have shown promise for treatment of multiple diseases. Unfortunately, the techniques used to inject cells apply large forces to the cells that rupture their membranes, killing the cells.  We are…

Aortic Dissection

Aortic Dissection

An aortic dissection is a serious condition caused by a tear between the innermost and middle layers of the aorta. As blood surges through the tear, it causes the inner and middle…

Agent-Based Modelling

Agent-Based Modelling

The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance throughout the body and is a crucial component of the immune system. Lymph nodes are stationed along the lymphatic network, sample the lymph and allow initiation…

Immune cell migration dynamics in response to chemokine concentration gradients

Immune Cell Migration Dynamics

Immune cell migration dynamics in response to chemokine concentration gradients All inflammatory processes require precise positioning and migration of immune cells to fight pathogens efficiently and be resolved once the pathogen threat…

Lymphoedema in the arm of a breast cancer patient

Device for Modulating Lymphatic Pumping

The current standard of care for lymphoedema is complex decongestive therapy (CDT), which is a combination of compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), exercise, and skin care.  Using our validated computational models…

Implant Design, the hydrogel containing VEGF-C is shown in blue

Lymph Node Implant

Around 1 in 5 breast cancer patients will develop lymphoedema in the arm after surgery involving removal of lymph nodes. Lymphoedema is a chronic, incurable condition which causes localised swelling of tissue…