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A Computational Framework for the Swelling Dynamics of Mucin-like Polyelectrolyte Gels
Jian Du1, Bindi M Nagda1, Owen L Lewis2
1Department of Mathematical Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University BLVD, Melbourne, 32901, FL, USA.
Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Gastric mucus swelling involves rapid ion exchange, with monovalent cations entering and calcium exiting the gel. This study introduces a computational model to simulate this complex swelling process.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Gastric mucus acts as a protective barrier for the stomach lining.
- Stored mucus is a highly concentrated polyelectrolyte gel.
- Mucus swelling involves rapid ion transport and structural changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computational model for simulating gastric mucus swelling.
- To investigate the role of ion transport in mucus swelling dynamics.
- To analyze the coupled behavior of the mucus network and fluid.
Main Methods:
- A 2D computational two-fluid model was developed.
- The model incorporates electro-diffusive ion transport (Nernst-Planck equations).
- A Schur complement reduction scheme was used to solve the system of PDEs.
Main Results:
- The computational method is efficient, robust, and accurate.
- The model accurately simulates large spatial gradients in ion concentration.
- The study analyzed factors influencing mucus swelling dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The developed computational method effectively simulates gastric mucus swelling.
- The model provides insights into the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling of mucus.
- This approach aids in understanding the protective mechanisms of gastric mucus.
