A cut finite element method for spatially resolved energy metabolism models in complex neuro-cell morphologies with minimal remeshing

Abstract A thorough understanding of brain metabolism is essential to tackle neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes are glial cells which play an important metabolic role by supplying neurons with energy. In addition, astrocytes provide scaffolding and homeostatic functions neighboring contribute the blood–brain barrier. Recent investigations indicate that complex morphology impacts upon their function in particular efficiency these metabolize nutrients energy, but a systematic still elusive. Modelling simulation represent effective framework address this challenge deepen our energy metabolism. This requires solving set partial differential equations on domains remains challenge. paper, we propose, test verify simple numerical method solve simplified model pathways astrocytes. The can deal arbitrarily cell morphologies enables rapid modification users also without deep knowledge methods involved. results obtained new ( CutFEM ) as accurate finite element (FEM) whilst disentangles from its discretisation, enabling us two three dimensions.