Micromechanics of cellularized biopolymer networks

Micromechanics of cellularized biopolymer networks.

Collagen gels are widely used in experiments on cell mechanics because they mimic the extracellular matrix in physiological conditions. Collagen gels are often characterized by their bulk rheology; however, variations in the collagen fiber microstructure and cell adhesion forces cause the mechanical properties to be inhomogeneous at the cellular scale. We study the mechanics of type I collagen ...

Heterogeneous Force Chains in Cellularized Biopolymer Network

Biopolymer Networks play an important role in coordinating and regulating collective cellular dynamics via a number of signaling pathways. Here, we investigate the mechanical response of a model biopolymer network due to the active contraction of embedded cells. Specifically, a graph (bond-node) model derived from confocal microscopy data is used to represent the network microstructure, and cel...

Neural Networks and Micromechanics - ReadingSample

Nonlinear Mechanics of Biopolymer Networks

The progress of modern biology demands an interdisciplinary approach to research, bridging the gap between previously disparate fields. This thesis presents a study of the elasticity and microstructure of neurofilaments, which are the primary constituents of neurons, providing the essential mechanical support to resist external stresses. To probe the underlying mechanical properties of neurofil...

Elasticity of semiflexible biopolymer networks.

Elasticity of Semiflexible Biopolymer Networks F.C. MacKintosh, ' J. Kas, ' and P. A. Janmey' 'Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-4030 2Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michi an 4M09-1120 3Division of Experimental Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital Harv d M d' I S h i, B ar e ica c oo, oston, Massachusetts 02...