Study on the Sliding Friction of Endothelial Cells Cultured on Hydrogel and the Role of Glycocalyx on Friction Reduction

We investigate the sliding friction of HUVEC monolayers cultured on PNaSS gel, intending to elucidate the role of glycocalyx on the surface of ECs in friction reduction. Three sets of HUVEC monolayers are investigated: an as‐cultured HUVEC monolayer; a HUVEC monolayer treated with TGF‐β1, which increases the glycocalyx by 148%; and a HUVEC monolayer treated with heparinase I, which reduces the glycocalyx by 57%. When being slid on a flat, glass surface, the frictional stress of the HUVEC monolayer decreases in the order: heparinase‐I‐treated > as‐cultured > TGF‐β1‐treated samples. The results suggest that glycocalyx may play a role in reducing the friction of endothelial cell monolayer.