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Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract is comprised of a series of interconnected muscular organs that are governed by intrinsic electrophysiological activities (slow waves) as well as tightly regulated by neurohumoral factors.

Degradations of the pacemaker cells and nerves in the GI tract due to aging and disease can have a significant impact on the digestive functions and lead to profound clinical challenges.

In this talk, Associate Professor Peng Du from the University of Auckland (NZ) will highlight the process of multi-scale modelling of the GI tract and validation using a series of experimental techniques.

In particular, he will focus on the relationship between loss of the intrinsic pacemaker cells and development of GI slow wave dysrhythmias.

In addition, he will share the recent work done on the development of a wearable multi-channel body-surface mapping device for recording of gastric slow waves.

Biography

Dr Peng Du is an Associate Professor at the Auckland Bioengineering and Department of Engineering Science, the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

The focus of his research is on experimental recording and mathematical modelling of gastrointestinal electrophysiology and motility.

Through a joint approach of in silico and in vivo research, his approach is helping to understand the mechanisms of a number of clinically challenging gastrointestinal disorders and develop potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

His research has received several accolades, including the prestigious Rutherford Discovery Fellowship from the Royal Society Te Apārangi and the Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize from the New Zealand Government.

He has co-founded two start-up research and medical device companies, and serves as the Vice-Chair of the EMBS IEEE New Zealand North Chapter.

He lectures a number of undergraduate mathematical modelling papers at the Department of Engineering Science.