Cell engineering

Methodology for Identifying Cell Forces: A Computational Approach

This work introduces an innovative method for identifying the forces exerted by cells on surfaces, crucial in understanding cellular interactions with their environment. Key features of this study include:

• Dual Method Approach: Proposing both a local and non-local method for force identification. The local method assumes a rotation-free field of surface tractions, while the non-local approach incorporates an intrinsic length scale.

• Experimental Basis for Force Identification: Grounded in experimental observations, specifically measuring displacements in a material caused by cellular forces. This involves tracking embedded beads within the substrate.

• Advancements Over Previous Work: Building on prior research, enhancing the calculation of cell forces and addressing limitations of earlier methods. Employing a finite element approach for analyzing heterogeneous materials, nonlinear behavior, and complex geometries.

• Analytical Framework: Involves analyzing displacements on an arbitrary surface, different from the traction application surface. The scenario studied includes a body covered by a stiff gel layer over a soft gel volume.

• Summary of Contributions: Presents three main novelties: generalization for heterogeneous materials, development of a non-local variant, and a robust solution technique. Utilizes hierarchical and heterogeneous approximation bases of arbitrary order.

This work marks a significant advancement in the computational identification of cellular forces, offering new perspectives in cell mechanics and material interactions.