Endothelial Glycocalyx Permeability for Nanoscale Solutes

Abstract

Glycocalyx has a great impact on the accessibility of the endothelial cell membranes. Although the specific interactions play a crucial role in cross-membrane solute transport, nonspecific interactions cannot be neglected. In this work, we used computational modeling to quantify the nonspecific interactions that control the distribution of nanosized solutes across the endothelial glycocalyx. We evaluated the probabilities of various nanoparticles' passage through the luminal layer to the membrane. The calculations demonstrate that excluded volume and electrostatic interactions are decisive for the solute transport as compared with van der Waals and hydrodynamic interactions. Damaged glycocalyx models showed a relatively weak efficiency in sieving plasma solutes. We estimated the energy barriers and corresponding mean first passage times for nanoscale solute transport through the model glycocalyx.

Achieving Precision Healthcare through Nanomedicine and Enhanced Model Systems

“…Several studies have addressed joint behavior under various conditions including loading, lubrication, and mechanics of the cartilage and surrounding tissues. , However, they rely on accurate input data and assumptions, which may introduce uncertainties and simplifications. , For example, while there are numerous studies addressing inorganic or carbon-based NC transport, polymeric NC models are more difficult to build due to more complex structural properties and more sensitive physicochemical parameters . The complexity of the NC-cell interactions also poses an additional challenge where a vast majority of descriptors must be included to replicate the dynamic nature of cellular membranes and the glycocalyx. , Such drawbacks may make computational models generalized or biased, missing out on biologically relevant complexities of in vivo joint physiology. As artificial intelligence is on the rise, the prospect of computational models getting more advanced is evident.…”

“…65 The complexity of the NC-cell interactions also poses an additional challenge where a vast majority of descriptors must be included to replicate the dynamic nature of cellular membranes and the glycocalyx. 66,67 Such drawbacks may make computational models generalized or biased, missing out on biologically relevant complexities of in vivo joint physiology. As artificial intelligence is on the rise, the prospect of computational models getting more advanced is evident.…”