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Modeling cellular self-organization in strain-stiffening hydrogels
Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Date Issued
2024
Sprache
English
Journal
Citation
Computational Mechanics (in Press): (2024)
Publisher DOI
Scopus ID
ISSN
01787675
We derive a three-dimensional hydrogel model as a two-phase system of a fibre network and liquid solvent, where the nonlinear elastic network accounts for the strain-stiffening properties typically encountered in biological gels. We use this model to formulate free boundary value problems for a hydrogel layer that allows for swelling or contraction. We derive two-dimensional plain-strain and plain-stress approximations for thick and thin layers respectively, that are subject to external loads and serve as a minimal model for scaffolds for cell attachment and growth. For the collective evolution of the cells as they mechanically interact with the hydrogel layer, we couple it to an agent-based model that also accounts for the traction force exerted by each cell on the hydrogel sheet and other cells during migration. We develop a numerical algorithm for the coupled system and present results on the influence of strain-stiffening, layer geometry, external load and solvent in/outflux on the shape of the layers and on the cell patterns. In particular, we discuss alignment of cells and chain formation under varying conditions.
Subjects
65Z05
74B05
74B20
92C10
92C17
Agent-based modeling
Cell migration
Hydrogels
Hyperelasticity
Nonlinear diffusion and reaction
DDC Class
570: Life Sciences, Biology