We introduce a data-driven fractional modeling framework for complex materials, and particularly bio-tissues. From multi-step relaxation experiments of distinct anatomical locations of porcine urinary bladder, we identify an anomalous relaxation character, with two power-law-like behaviors for short/long long times, and nonlinearity for strains greater than 25%. The first component of our framework is an existence study, to determine admissible fractional viscoelastic models that qualitatively describe linear relaxation. After the linear viscoelastic model is selected, the second stage adds large-strain effects to the framework through a fractional quasi-linear viscoelastic approach for the nonlinear elastic response of the bio-tissue of interest. From single-step relaxation data of the urinary bladder, a fractional Maxwell model captures both short/long-term behaviors with two fractional orders, being the most suitable model for small strains at the first stage. For the second stage, multi-step relaxation data under large strains were employed to calibrate a four-parameter fractional quasi-linear viscoelastic model, that combines a Scott-Blair relaxation function and an exponential instantaneous stress response, to describe the elastin/collagen phases of bladder rheology. Our obtained results demonstrate that the employed fractional quasi-linear model, with a single fractional order in the range α = 0.25–0.30, is suitable for the porcine urinary bladder, producing errors below 2% without need for recalibration over subsequent applied strains. We conclude that fractional models are attractive tools to capture the bladder tissue behavior under small-to-large strains and multiple time scales, therefore being potential alternatives to describe multiple stages of bladder functionality.
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Expandable and implantable bioelectronic complex for analyzing and regulating real-time activity of the urinary bladder
Underactive bladder or detrusor underactivity (DUA), that is, not being able to micturate, has received less attention with little research and remains unknown or limited on pathological causes and treatments as opposed to overactive bladder, although the syndrome may pose a risk of urinary infections or life-threatening kidney damage. Here, we present an integrated expandable electronic and optoelectronic complex that behaves as a single body with the elastic, time-dynamic urinary bladder with substantial volume changes up to ~300%. The system configuration of the electronics validated by the theoretical model allows conformal, seamless integration onto the urinary bladder without a glue or suture, enabling precise monitoring with various electrical components for real-time status and efficient optogenetic manipulation for urination at the desired time. In vivo experiments using diabetic DUA models demonstrate the possibility for practical uses of high-fidelity electronics in clinical trials associated with the bladder and other elastic organs.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1933072
- PAR ID:
- 10222522
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Science Advances
- Volume:
- 6
- Issue:
- 46
- ISSN:
- 2375-2548
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- eabc9675
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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