Title | Numerical simulation of forces on a spreading cell exposed to flow |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1991 |
Authors | LA Olivier, and GA Truskey |
Journal | Annals of Biomedical Engineering |
Volume | 19 |
Issue | 5 |
Start Page | 607 |
Pagination | 607- - |
Date Published | 12/1991 |
Abstract | When spreading cells are briefly exposed to flow, cell detachment is influenced by both the number of bonds formed and by the shape of the cell. Previous studies indicate a relationship between cell spreading and adhesion. Spreading cells exhibit a variety of shapes, ranging from a sphere upon initial attachment, to a bulbous shape attached to the surface by one or more processes, to a flattened shape when completely spread. The shape of the cell affects the shear stress distribution along the cell surface. A two dimensional model of flow over a spreading cell in a parallel flat plate flow chamber is developed. The model consists of a finite element grid developed by using the software package FIDAP (Fluid Dynamics International). The governing differential equations are the Navier-Stokes equations with constant density and viscosity. Channei Reynold's numbers range from 50 to 200. Channel height to cell height ratio is at least 20:1. The shear stress distribution is calculated along the cell surface. The distribution is then integrated to obtain the resultant forces. These forces are then used in a simple kinetic model of cellular adhesion, to predict the onset of detachment. When the forces on the cell exceed the maximum allowable stress on all the bonds, cell detachment occurs. |
Short Title | Annals of Biomedical Engineering |