Bendo-tensegrity model simulates compression test of animal cell

Abstract eng:
A hybrid model of suspended animal cell proposed earlier, with a bendo-tensegrity structure mimicking cytoskeleton, is applied to simulate the global response of the cell under compression and to describe mechanical behaviour of its components. The Finite Element model incorporates Microtubules, Actin Filaments, Intermediate Filaments, nucleus, cytoplasm, and Cell Membrane, all of them with realistic geometrical and material parameters. The unique features of this structural model keep fundamental principles governing cell behaviour, such as interaction between the cytoskeletal components redistributing the prestress of actin filaments throughout all the structure. The force-deformation curve from the simulated compression test with microplates is validated by comparison with the experimental response from literature. The model enables us to investigate the mechanical role of individual celular and cytoskeletal components in intracellular force propagation by means of changing their numbers or parameters. As quantitative characterization of nucleus deformation may be hypothetically decisive for mechanotransduction, the model aims at better understanding of how cellular processes are mechanically controlled.

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