Richard Clarke - Understanding the role of the endothelial glycocalyx: a brush-like coating on the walls of blood vessels
| Dates: | 23 September 2020 |
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| Times: | 10:00 - 11:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Department of Mathematics |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, External researchers, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Apala Majumdar |
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Richard Clarke (University of Auckland) joins us for this virtual seminar in the Physical Applied Mathematics Series
This seminar will be held via Zoom. Please email alice.thompson@manchester.ac.uk if you require the meeting details.
Abstract: The Endothelial Glycocalyx Layer (EGL) is a thin, brush-like layer that coats the inside of the vasculature. It is believed to serve as a protective barrier against excessive fluid shear, as well as perform a number of other biological functions, such as mechanotransduction. The fragile nature of the EGL, however, makes it very difficult to examine experimentally, and so theoretical models can provide interesting and useful insights. In the past the EGL has been modelled as an isotropic, homogeneous porous layer. However, there is an increasing volume of evidence to suggest that the EGL has a microstructural organisation that brings in to question this assumption. In this talk I will explain some of our work using Homogenisation Theory to explore the connection between EGL microstructure and its bulk macroscopic properties. The EGL also carries a net negative charge, and consequently interacts with ions dissolved in the blood flow, creating a Debye layer at the EGL interface. This in turn can lead to electrokinetic effects, which our models suggest can also have important ramifications for the transmission of mechanical stresses to the wall.
Speaker
Apala Majumdar
Organisation: University of Bath
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