Study on the Perception Mechanism of Utricles Based on Bionic Models

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Bioengineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The clinical understanding of utricle diseases and their relation to structural lesions is limited due to the utricle's complex and delicate nature.
• Studying the utricle's perception mechanism is crucial for advancing diagnostics and treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of otoliths and endolymph in the utricle's sensory perception.
• To develop a biomimetic model for studying utricle function and potential disorders.

Main Methods:

• A symmetrical metal core PVDF fiber (SMPF) was designed as a bionic hair sensor, mimicking utricle sensory cells.
• Fabrication of a bionic macula (BM), bionic macula with sand (BMS), and a bionic utricle (BU) using the SMPF sensor.
• Experimental validation of the SMPF sensor's ability to detect bending deformation and its performance in the fabricated models.

Main Results:

• The SMPF sensor successfully mimicked the bending deformation sensing of sensory cells.
• The presence of otoliths (in BMS) and endolymph (in BU) significantly enhanced the amplitude of output charges from the SMPF sensor.
• Optimal sensing performance, indicated by the largest output charges, was achieved when the SMPF sensor's electrode boundary was perpendicular to the impact direction.

Conclusions:

• Otoliths and endolymph are key components that enhance the sensing capabilities of the utricle.
• The brain likely determines head linear acceleration direction based on the location of activated sensory cells within the macula.
• This research establishes a foundation for in vitro studies of abnormal utricle functions.