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Signalling molecule transport analysis in lacunar-canalicular system
Rakesh Kumar1, Abhishek Kumar Tiwari2, Dharmendra Tripathi3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303007, India.
Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology
|March 1, 2020
Summary
This study models fluid flow in bone
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Cellular Mechanobiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Mechanical loading stimulates bone cells via fluid flow in the lacunar-canalicular space (LCS).
- Previous models assumed uniform canaliculi, but experimental data show irregular walls causing non-uniform flow.
- This non-uniformity impacts molecular transport and bone cell signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel mathematical model of the LCS accounting for irregular canalicular walls.
- To analyze fluid flow dynamics (pore-pressure, velocity, streamlines) under mechanical loading.
- To investigate signaling molecule transport and its dependence on loading frequency, LCS permeability, and molecule properties.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new mathematical model for the lacunar-canalicular space (LCS) with curvy canalicular walls.
- Simulated cantilever bending-induced fluid flow and pore-pressure distribution.
- Analyzed the mobility and transport of signaling molecules within the LCS.
Main Results:
- Observed inhomogeneous fluid flow at higher loading frequencies, enhancing mechanotransduction but also causing signaling molecule trapping.
- Demonstrated that larger and heavier signaling molecules exhibit slower transport dynamics.
- Validated findings by confirming that smaller molecules move faster than larger ones.
Conclusions:
- Irregular canalicular geometry significantly influences fluid flow and molecular transport in bone.
- Loading frequency and molecule size are critical factors in bone mechanotransduction.
- Findings can inform the design of targeted biomechanical exercises and pharmaceutical interventions for bone health.
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