Regarding the transport phenomena in the respiratory system, we have two distinct, but coupled, interests. The first objective of our research is to go
towards a better understanding of the dynamics of the bronchial mucus, in healthy and unhealthy people. Human bronchi are covered with a thin layer of mucus.
This layer acts as a trap for inspired fine particles and microorganisms. However, today, the dynamics of the bronchial mucus is still poorly understood.
In addition, it is known that, in the context of certain diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, this dynamics is significantly impaired. In
collaboration with the pulmonology department of the Erasme Hospital, our goal is to improve the understanding of the bronchial mucus dynamics by combining in silico
(modelling and simulation) and in vitro (laboratory experiments) studies. A specific objective is to analyse the coupling, potentially very important,
between the rheology of the mucus and the respiratory conditions (respiration frequency, breathing air temperature and humidity…). Another of our objectives
is to understand how the heterogeneity of the lungs (whether natural or induced by pathologies) influences the exchange processes within it (water, heat,
oxygen transport). In this context, we are interested in describing the dynamics of the NO, a physiological molecule that can be considered as a marker of
different phenomena. In particular, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute (Sweden), we are studying how this molecule can be used as a tool for
monitoring respiratory function on the International Space Station.

Selected publications : 

Karamaoun, C., Sobac, B., Mauroy, B., Van Muylem, A.,
& Haut, B. New Insights into the Mechanisms Controlling the Bronchia Mucus Balance. PLOS One, published 22 June 2018

Karamaoun, C., Haut, B., & Van
Muylem, A. A new role for the exhaled nitric oxide as a functional marker of peripheral airway calibre changes: a theoretical study. Journal of Applied
Physiology, 124, 1025-1033. 2018

Karamaoun, C., Van Muylem, A., & Haut, B. Modelling of the nitric oxide transport in the human lungs. Frontiers in
Physiology, 7, 255. 2016


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