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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Emergence of a fluctuation-driven cooperative solidlike phase in Potts model monolayers
Alexander J Devanny1, Laura J Kaufman1
1Columbia University, Department of Chemistry, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Cellular Potts model (CPM) simulations vary due to inconsistent cell perimeter definitions. An updated CPM implementation reveals a unique, cooperative solidlike phase with improved cell shape dynamics and reproducibility in cell monolayers.
Area of Science:
- Computational biology
- Biophysics
- Cellular dynamics
Background:
- Cellular Potts model (CPM) simulations exhibit variability in dynamics and ordering.
- Inconsistent definitions of cell perimeters and contact lengths contribute to simulation discrepancies.
- These variations impact cell shape, dynamics, and reproducibility in confluent monolayers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different edge length computation methods on CPM simulations.
- To analyze the effects of these definitions on phase transitions in confluent cell monolayers.
- To develop and evaluate an updated CPM implementation for improved accuracy and interpretability.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of various edge length computation implementations in CPM.
- Analysis of phase transitions as a function of cellular adhesion energy.
- Comparison of lattice-based artifacts versus a self-consistent, continuum-model-inspired implementation.
- Assessment of cell shape, structural order, and dynamics.
Main Results:
- Edge length definition has a modest effect on the fluid-solid transition point but significantly impacts structural order and dynamics.
- Lattice-based artifacts (alignment, overcounting) limit motion and cause early dynamical arrest.
- The updated CPM implementation reveals a fluid-hexatic-solid transition with significant cooperative motion in the solid phase.
- Cell shapes in the updated model are well-behaved and align with established structural indicators.
Conclusions:
- Standard CPM implementations can introduce artifacts that limit biological realism.
- An updated, self-consistent CPM approach corrects contact length calculations, mirroring continuum models.
- This improved model reveals a unique, fluctuation-driven solidlike phase with enhanced cooperative motion and interpretable cell shapes.
- The findings enhance the reliability and applicability of CPM simulations for studying multicellular systems.
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