Hybrid roles of adaptation and optimization in formation of vascular network

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid approach combining adaptation and optimization to better replicate the complex structure of biological vascular networks, capturing their path dependency and structural transitions.

Contribution

It proposes a novel hybrid model that integrates adaptation and optimization, improving the replication of vascular network structures compared to previous methods.

Findings

The hybrid approach replicates path dependency in vascular networks.

A transition from 'chive-like' to dendritic structures was observed.

The model produces networks resembling real biological vasculature.

Abstract

It was hypothesized that the structures of biological transport networks are the result of either energy consumption or adaptation dynamics. Although approaches based on these hypotheses can produce optimal network and form loop structures, we found that neither possesses complete ability to generate complex networks that resemble vascular network in living organisms, which motivated us to propose a hybrid approach. This approach can replicate the path dependency phenomenon of main branches and produce an optimal network that resembles the real vascular network. We further show that there is a clear transition in the structural pattern of the vascular network, shifting from `chive-like' to dendritic configuration after a period of sequenced adaptation and optimization.