A Continuum-Tensegrity Computational Model for Chondrocyte Biomechanics in AFM Indentation and Micropipette Aspiration

Abstract

Mechanical stimuli are fundamental in the development of organs and tissues, their growth, regeneration or disease. They influence the biochemical signals produced by the cells, and, consequently, the development and spreading of a disease. Moreover, tumour cells are usually characterized by a decrease in the cell mechanical properties that may be directly linked to their metastatic potential. Thus, recently, the experimental and computational study of cell biomechanics is facing a growing interest. Various experimental approaches have been implemented to describe the passive response of cells; however, cell variability and complex experimental procedures may affect the obtained mechanical properties. For this reason, in-silico computational models have been developed through the years, to overcome such limitations, while proposing valuable tools to understand cell mechanical behaviour. This being the case, we propose a combined continuous-tensegrity finite element (FE) model to analyse the mechanical response of a cell and its subcomponents, observing how every part contributes to the overall mechanical behaviour. We modelled both Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indentation and micropipette aspiration techniques, as common mechanical tests for cells and elucidated also the role of cell cytoplasm and cytoskeleton in the global cell mechanical response.

Atomic force microscopy in disease‐related studies: Exploring tissue and cell mechanics

“…Indentation depth should not exceed 10% of the sample thickness. Arduino et al, 2022;Chen et al, 2021;Holuigue et al, 2022;Jamal et al, 2022;Liu et al, 2019;Tang et al, 2019 Parabolic Deptula et al, 2021;Han et al, 2022;Nardini et al, 2022;Nguyen & Liu, 2022;Offroy et al, 2020;Sun et al, 2021;Zhu et al, 2020;Zhu et al, 2021;Zhu et al, 2022;Zhu, Tian, et al, 2023 Pyramidal Any axisymmetric shape…”

“…Standard linear solid model (SLS model), can simulate both relaxation and creep behavior. Arduino et al, 2022;Nardini et al, 2022 Generalized Maxwell…”

“…In addition to viscoelastic models, hyperelasticity is also widely used in biological samples (Lin et al, 2009). For example, the Mooney‐Rivlin classical constitutive law and its special form, the neo‐Hookean model, are often used to describe the material properties of cells (Arduino et al, 2022; Tang et al, 2019; Wang, Tian, et al, 2020).…”

Biomechanics of Chondrocytes and Chondrons in Healthy Conditions and Osteoarthritis: A Review of the Mechanical Characterisations at the Microscale

“…Indeed, mechanical stimuli have been recognised among the key factors in the initiation and progression of OA [11]. In this scenario, chondrocyte mechanical properties have become of primary interest to create reliable computational models [12], as well as to better understand the interaction with the PCM and ECM, especially due to the limited ability of articular cartilage (AC) to self-repair [13] and the lack of available clinical treatments to completely repair the tissue. Due to the increasing importance of chondrocyte biomechanics and their correlation with OA, the aim of this review is to analyse the experimental procedures and models developed through the years to study the mechanical behaviour of this cell.…”

Cell Surface Vibrations Distinguish Malignant from Benign Cells

“…The mechanical properties of living cells, including their shape, rigidity, and internal dynamics, play a crucial role in cell physiology and pathology [1,2]. The mechanical response of the cell generally depends on its three main mechanical components: the cytoskeleton, the nucleus, and the cytoplasm.…”