Fig. 4.

Biomaterial models and computational tools for studying lymph flow dynamics. A) Schematic illustration of a subcapsular sinus microenvironment-mimicking, divergent parallel-plate microfluidic perfusion with an adhesion-molecule-functionalized, divergent portion. Reproduced with permission [206]. Copyright 2020, Elsevier. B) The gravity-driven microfluidic device mimics the cyclical lymphatic flow under normal and disease conditions. Reproduced with permission [207]. Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society. C) Whole-LN-mimicking microfluidic devices (Reproduced with permission [209]. Copyright 2010, Elsevier) and D) multi-compartment 3D lymph node-on-a-chip (Reproduced with permission [212]. Copyright 2020, MDPI) for inflammatory responses and drug development. E) Lymph flow flux in stream tubes when efferent lymphatic pressure is 0 ​Pa. Reproduced with permission [214]. Copyright 2016, Springer Nature. F) Mathematical ordinary differential equation-based models informed by experimental data to describe and predict lymphocyte recirculation in the lymphatic system between lymph nodes and between different organs. Inspired by [215].