Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
DC 1304
Dr. James Keener
Department of Bioengineering | University of Utah
The dynamics of fibrin gel formation
Biogels are complex polymeric networks whose proper function is important to many physiological processes. For example, the proper function of mucus gel is important for airway clearance, reproduction, digestion, gastric protection, and disease protection and its failure is involved in cystic fibrosis, gastric ulcers, and reproductive dysfunction. Fibrin clots are crucial for prevention of bleeding after injury but inappropriate formation of clots is implicated in hearts attacks and strokes.
There are three phases of biogel dynamics that are important to their biological function. These are their formation (i.e., blood clotting), degradation (clot dissolution), and swelling/deswelling kinetics (during mucin secretion/exocytosis, for example).
The purpose of this talk is to describe recent advances in the study of the dynamics of fibrin clot formation. In particular, I will derive and discuss features of a new partial differential equation model that describes the growth of fibrin clots as a polymerization/gelation reaction. The solution of this PDE model gives insight into the branching structure of clots that are formed under various physiological conditions.
Wine and cheese to follow in DC 1301
Contact Info
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32700
Fax: 519-746-4319
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.