Experimental estimate of the diffusivity of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract

The diffusivity of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a number that is very important in determining the transport of VEGF. The transport of VEGF determines crucial processes such as angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. This study aimed at obtaining an estimate of the diffusivity of VEGF by using a simple system consisting of an insert with a collagen membrane placed within the well of a cell culture plate. A solution of VEGF was added to the insert, and the same solution without VEGF was added to the well surrounding the insert. The VEGF diffusion was monitored by taking samples in time of both the upstream and downstream baths, and analyzing the samples with an ELISA. Modeling the diffusion as one-dimensional, it was possible to estimate the diffusivity from the change in downstream concentration with time. The diffusivity was estimated to be around 5.55e⁻⁷ cm²sec.