Constitutive Modeling of Solute Diffusivity in Hydrated Soft Tissues

Based on the experimental results of electrical conductivity and hydraulic permeability, a new constitutive model for relative diffusivity (D/D_o) of solutes in gels and tissues was developed. This model could predict the functional relationship between solute diffusivity and tissue deformation. This model could also quantitatively predict the effect of solute size on solute diffusivity in tissues. This study is important for the understanding of nutritional transport in cartilaginous tissues. It is also useful for the prediction of nutrition levels in tissue constructs during growth.