CAREER: The Mechano-electrochemical Behavior of the Capillary Glycocalyx

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

0093985 Damiano A combined theoretical and experimental study of the macromolecular glycocalyx surface layer on the luminal side of capillary endothelial cells is planned. Using brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, mechanical and electrostatic deformations of the glycocalyx will be observed in vivo in order to obtain estimates of the permeability properties and fixed-charged density of the layer. Combined with these experiments, a multi-dimensional mechano-electrochemical model of the glycocalyx will be developed using continuum mixture theory. These investigations are aimed at providing a quantitative theoretical framework to explore the biophysical role of this structure in such diverse and important processes as immune response, cell adhesion, mass transport, and mechanotransduction of flow. In addition, an integrated educational plan will be implemented to facilitate students' deep and thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals, in the areas of fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, and biomechanics, by fostering active learning through the development of interactive instructional Mathematica notebook modules.