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Matrix viscoplasticity and its shielding by active mechanics in microtissue models: experiments and mathematical
Alan S Liu1, Hailong Wang2,3, Craig R Copeland1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Scientific Reports
|September 28, 2016
Summary
Bioengineered tissues exhibit complex mechanical behaviors due to cell-matrix interactions. This study reveals how cell mechanics shield extracellular matrix plasticity, impacting overall tissue dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Tissue biomechanics
- Cellular mechanics
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Tissue mechanical behavior is vital for physiological function.
- Understanding cell-matrix interactions is key to tissue engineering and disease modeling.
- Existing models often overlook the interplay between cellular activity and matrix properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coupled biomechanical behavior of bioengineered smooth muscle microtissues.
- To elucidate the interaction between active cellular mechanics and extracellular matrix viscoplasticity.
- To develop a computational model that integrates cellular and matrix mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D bioengineered smooth muscle microtissues.
- Microcantilever force sensing to measure microtissue response to mechanical actuation.
- Cell lysis to isolate and characterize matrix mechanical properties.
- Development of a coupled computational model combining Hill-type actomyosin dynamics and a viscoplastic matrix model.
- Single-cell stretch measurements.
Main Results:
- Microtissue mechanical response to stretch/unstretch was primarily driven by cellular actomyosin dynamics.
- Cell lysis revealed an underlying viscoplastic behavior of the collagen/fibrin matrix.
- The developed model accurately predicted microtissue dynamics, including the shielding effect of cells on matrix plasticity.
- Single-cell measurements validated the active cellular mechanics component of the model.
Conclusions:
- Cellular actomyosin dynamics play a significant role in modulating the mechanical response of engineered tissues.
- Extracellular matrix plasticity is a critical, previously underappreciated factor in tissue biomechanics.
- A coupled modeling approach is necessary to accurately capture the complex interplay between active cell mechanics and passive matrix properties.
- Future research should focus on incorporating matrix plasticity into models of tissue dynamics for improved physiological relevance.
