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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy

Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy

Published on: November 1, 2021

Predicting the kinetics of cell spreading.

Thomas Frisch¹, Olivier Thoumine

¹Université de Provence-St Jérome, IRPHE/Biophysique Case 252, Marseille, France.

Journal of Biomechanics

|July 20, 2002

Summary

This study models fibroblast cell spreading on surfaces using wetting theory. It accurately predicts cell movement kinetics based on cytoplasmic viscosity, cortical tension, and adhesion energy.

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Materials Science

Background:

Fibroblast cell spreading is crucial for tissue repair and development.
Understanding cell-substrate interactions requires accurate models of cell morphology dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To predict the kinetics of fibroblast spreading onto adhesive substrates using wetting theory.
To determine the influence of cytoplasmic viscosity, cortical tension, and cell-adhesion energy on cell spreading dynamics.

Main Methods:

Applied wetting theory to model fibroblast cell spreading.
Utilized established values for cytoplasmic viscosity and cortical tension from prior micromechanical studies.
Adjusted cell-to-substrate adhesion energy by fitting model predictions to experimental data of contact radius over time.

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Examining the Dynamics of Cellular Adhesion and Spreading of Epithelial Cells on Fibronectin During Oxidative Stress

Examining the Dynamics of Cellular Adhesion and Spreading of Epithelial Cells on Fibronectin During Oxidative Stress

Published on: October 13, 2019

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Last Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Measuring Cell-Edge Protrusion Dynamics during Spreading using Live-Cell Microscopy

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Published on: November 1, 2021

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading

Published on: May 22, 2021

Examining the Dynamics of Cellular Adhesion and Spreading of Epithelial Cells on Fibronectin During Oxidative Stress

Examining the Dynamics of Cellular Adhesion and Spreading of Epithelial Cells on Fibronectin During Oxidative Stress

Published on: October 13, 2019

Main Results:

The wetting theory model successfully predicted fibroblast spreading kinetics.
The model demonstrated good agreement with experimental data, validating the macroscopic approach.
Cell-to-substrate adhesion energy was a key parameter adjusted to match experimental observations.

Conclusions:

Wetting theory provides a robust framework for predicting cell spreading kinetics.
A macroscopic view of cell morphology, incorporating key biophysical parameters, is sufficient for modeling cell spreading dynamics.
This approach offers valuable insights into cell-material interactions relevant to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.