Abstract

Endothelial cells, which form the inner layer of the vasculature, interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) by exerting mechanical contractile cell-substrate stress called tractions and cell-cell stresses called intercellular stresses. This cellular mechanical behavior involves many fundamental biological processes, including cell migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Also, the inner surface of the vasculature, where endothelial cells reside, is constantly exposed to various fluid flows. The most variable fluid flow regimes occur primarily within branching regions of the vasculature. Endothelial cells residing within these regions experience disturbed flow, which consists of irregular flow patterns and extreme wall shear stress gradients. This phenomenon could upregulate endothelial cell signaling and gene expression into the proliferative and pro-inflammatory phase to promote endothelial dysfunction and contributes to the development of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and coronary artery disease. However, the influence of disturbed flow on cellular mechanics has remained unclear. To get a better idea of how disturbed flow may affect traction, intercellular stresses, and various cell morphological parameters, a variety of studies were performed. The first study was conducted with a 3D flow chamber, and endothelial mechanical properties under disturbed flow were measured. The second study was performed with microchannels to visualize tractions differences among different vessel geometries and conditions in the abovementioned pathologies. The results yielded from this work will further our understanding of cellular mechanics under disturbed flow and potentially lead to novel therapeutics for endothelial dysfunction.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2023

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Steward, Robert

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Biomedical Engineering

Identifier

CFE0009631; DP0027664

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027664

Language

English

Release Date

May 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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