Finite Element Modeling of Cellular Mechanics Experiments

Cytoskeleton and plasma-membrane damage resulting from exposure to sustained deformations: A review of the mechanobiology of chronic wounds

“…More advanced structural phenomena in mechanically loaded cells can be evaluated, with the same principles, using finite element (FE) modeling; a review of the body of work on computational cell modeling is available in [60] . In the context of the above discussion, however, Slomka and Gefen developed an approach to obtain three-dimensional (3D) cell-specific FE models to simulate experiments involving large cell deformations, based on analysis of confocal (z-stack) images of multiple undifferentiated skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 myoblasts) [61,62] .…”

Influence of the pericellular and extracellular matrix structural properties on chondrocyte mechanics

“…A limitation to this study and other modeling studies is that the chondrocyte was idealized as a homogeneous continuum . Models incorporating sub‐cellular components, such as the nucleus and cytoskeletal fibers, may provide further insights into intracellular mechanotransduction mechanisms . For such models, the assumption of continuous attachment between chondrocytes and their environment could also be updated to discrete focal cell‐matrix attachment sites .…”

“…47 Models incorporating sub-cellular components, such as the nucleus and cytoskeletal fibers, may provide further insights into intracellular mechanotransduction mechanisms. 48 For such models, the assumption of continuous attachment between chondrocytes and their environment could also be updated to discrete focal cell-matrix attachment sites. 49 Direct validation of chondrocyte strains in the cartilage ECM have yet to be performed and may become more feasible in the near future with new developments in the field.…”

The Influence of Cell-Matrix Attachment and Matrix Development on the Micromechanical Environment of the Chondrocyte in Tissue-Engineered Cartilage

“…Models incorporating subcellular components, such as the nucleus and cytoskeletal fibers, may provide further insights in intracellular mechanotransduction mechanisms. 42 For such models, the assumption of continuous attachment between chondrocytes and their environment should also be updated to discrete focal cell-matrix attachment sites, 43 to not only include focal adhesion points with the ECM, but also to use these sites for attachment of the actin cytoskeleton. 44 This study presents a first step toward a model that addresses the simulation of focal adhesions at the cell surface and their influence in the transmission of external mechanical strains to the cells in tissue engineering applications.…”