Stochastic model explains formation of cell arrays on H/O-diamond patterns

Cell migration plays an important role in many biological systems. A relatively simple stochastic model is developed and used to describe cell behavior on chemically patterned substrates. The model is based on three parameters: the speed of cell movement (own and external), the probability of cell adhesion, and the probability of cell division on the substrate. The model is calibrated and validated by experimental data obtained on hydrogen- and oxygen-terminated patterns on diamond. Thereby, the simulations reveal that: (1) the difference in the cell movement speed on these surfaces (about 1.5×) is the key factor behind the formation of cell arrays on the patterns, (2) this difference is provided by the presence of fetal bovine serum (validated by experiments), and (3) the directional cell flow promotes the array formation. The model also predicts that the array formation requires mean distance of cell travel at least 10% of intended stripe width. The model is generally applicable for biosensors using diverse cells, materials, and structures.