Numerical Analysis on Micro-Element Streaming Potential of Articular Cartilage / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the distribution of streaming potential generated by interstitial fluid flow in articular cartilage and obtain electrical characteristics of articular cartilage. Methods The governing equation of fluid and electrostatic theory were combined to establish a two-dimensional (2D) micro-element model of cartilage, and the steady streaming potential generated in microelement under certain pressure was calculated by finite element method. Results The streaming potential in micro-pore model of articular cartilage with the length of 5 μm was about 38.4 μV. The effect of external pressure and Zeta potential on streaming potential of articular cartilage model was significant and showed a linear increase relationship. The streaming potential decreased with the increase of ion number concentration, but the concentration had different effects on streaming potential of articular cartilage. When the ion number concentration was low, streaming potential was more dependent on ion number concentration. When ion number concentration was high, the effect of ion number concentration on streaming potential was very small. Conclusions The results of this study provide important theoretical basis for differentiation and proliferation of chondrocytes, prevention and treatment of articular cartilage diseases, development of tissue-engineered cartilage and repair of articular cartilage injury by means of electric current, electric field and electromagnetic field stimulation.