Streaming potential in bio-mimetic microvessels mediated by capillary glycocalyx

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Implantable medical devices and biosensors require safe, biocompatible power sources for in-vivo applications.
• Current devices often rely on external power, limiting their in-vivo use.
• The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) plays a role in physiological processes within microvessels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of the endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) in generating streaming potential.
• To explore the EGL's role in electromechanics and hydrodynamics for powering medical devices.
• To understand the implications of physiological parameters on streaming potential generation.

Main Methods:

• Modeling the EGL as a poroelastic layer with volumetric charge distribution.
• Utilizing Newtonian and viscoelastic fluid models to represent blood-mimicking fluids.
• Analyzing electromechanics and hydrodynamics in physiologically relevant microvessels.

Main Results:

• Streaming potential of approximately 0.1 V/mm was induced in physiologically relevant micro-flows.
• This streaming potential is substantial enough to power micro- to milliwatt biosensors and implantable devices.
• The study identified key physiological parameters influencing streaming potential and its dependence on EGL thickness.

Conclusions:

• The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) can generate significant streaming potential, offering a novel power source for medical technology.
• This finding opens possibilities for developing physiologically safe, biocompatible power sources for in-vivo applications.
• The dependence of streaming potential on EGL thickness may provide insights into angiogenesis patterns.