Erhardt André H.Peschka, DirkDirkPeschkaDazzi, ChiaraChiaraDazziSchmeller, LeonieLeonieSchmellerPetersen, AnsgarAnsgarPetersenCheca Esteban, SaraSaraCheca EstebanMünch, AndreasAndreasMünchWagner, BarbaraBarbaraWagner2024-09-092024-09-092024-08-31Computational Mechanics 75: 875-896 (2024)https://hdl.handle.net/11420/49003We 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.en1432-09242024875896Springerhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/65Z0574B0574B2092C1092C17Agent-based modelingCell migrationHydrogelsHyperelasticityNonlinear diffusion and reactionNatural Sciences and Mathematics::570: Life Sciences, BiologyJournal Articlehttps://doi.org/10.15480/882.1485210.1007/s00466-024-02536-710.15480/882.14852Journal Article