Simulating Flow in an Intestinal Peristaltic System: Combining In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Abstract

Transport and mixing in the gastric duct occur via peristaltic flow. In vivo data are hard to collect and require strict ethical approval. In contrast, both in vitro and in silico studies allow detailed investigation and can be constructed to answer specific questions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design a new elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) intestine model and to compare the flow patterns observed experimentally with those predicted by a Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulation. Here, we present complementary studies that allow feedback to improve both techniques and provide mutual validation. The experimental work provides direct measurement of mixing, and the simulation allows the experimental setup to be studied to determine the impacts of various parameters. We conclude by highlighting the utility of this approach.

Keywords

• gastric flow
• thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
• 3D printing
• fluorescein
• fluid structure interaction (FSI)
• mixing