Cell-Matrix Elastocapillary Interactions Drive Pressure-based Wetting of Cell Aggregates.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cellular Mechanics
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cell-matrix interfacial energies and matrix deformation energies are comparable at cellular scales.
• The influence of capillary effects on tissue shape and motion remains poorly understood.
• Understanding these forces is crucial for tissue development and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how capillary effects influence tissue shape and motion.
• To explore the dynamics of cell aggregate wetting on substrates of varying elasticity.
• To elucidate the role of active elasto-capillary forces in collective cell migration.

Main Methods:

• Inducing wetting of cell aggregates on adhesive substrates with controlled elasticity.
• Correlating wetting dynamics with the balance of interfacial tensions.
• Employing experiments, data-driven modeling, and computational simulations.

Main Results:

• Cell-substrate tension drives outward expansion on rigid substrates.
• On compliant substrates, aggregate capillary forces generate internal pressures for expansion.
• Myosin-driven active elasto-capillary effects adapt wetting mechanisms to substrate rigidity.

Conclusions:

• Active elasto-capillary forces are critical for cell aggregate wetting and adaptation to substrate properties.
• A novel pressure-based mechanism guides collective cell motion.
• Findings offer insights into tissue morphogenesis and disease progression.