Integrating computational fluid dynamics into organ-on-chip systems: a glioblastoma-centred design and validation framework [forthcoming]

Taleban, Hooman, Li, Xinzhong, Ali, Zulfiqur ORCID logo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9884-8146 , Kalesh, Karunakaran, Prakash, Jai, Bagci-Onder, Tugba and Breznik, Barbara (2025) Integrating computational fluid dynamics into organ-on-chip systems: a glioblastoma-centred design and validation framework [forthcoming]. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology . Full text not available from this repository.

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Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most lethal and treatment-resistant brain cancers, driven in part by the complexity of its tumour microenvironment (TME). While organ-on-chip (OoC) platforms offer more physiologically relevant models than traditional 2D or static 3D systems, their design remains largely empirical, lacking predictive control over flow conditions, biochemical gradients, and mechanical cues. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance the design, precision, and biological fidelity of OoC platforms. This comprehensive review highlights current limitations in replicating GBM's biological complexity and technical constraints in device fabrication and maintenance, mapping them to specific CFD strategies. It synthesises current strategies into a structured workflow for integrating CFD into the design, optimisation, and validation of microfluidic tumour models—bridging engineering precision with biological complexity. In addition, validation frameworks reported in the literature are highlighted and mapped onto GBM-on-chip applications have been recommended, drawing on widely recognised international standards for engineering validation and regulatory modelling practices. Finally, this review positions CFD as a core component of GBM-on-chip development and explores how its integration with AI-based optimisation can advance the creation of more predictive, scalable, and biologically relevant in vitro tumour models.

Item Type: Article
Journal / Publication Title: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Publisher: Frontiers Media
ISSN: 2296-4185
Departments: Professional Services > Vice Chancellor's Office
Additional Information: Professor Zulfiqur Ali, PhD, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange), University of Cumbria, UK. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).
Depositing User: Anna Lupton
Date Deposited: 15 Dec 2025 11:36
Last Modified: 15 Dec 2025 11:37
URI: https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9240
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