A cell-based framework for modeling cardiac mechanics

• DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01660-8
• Publication Date: 2023-01-05T07:07:03Z
• Authors: Åshild Telle; James D. Trotter; Xing Cai; Henrik Finsberg; Miroslav Kuchta; Joakim Sundnes; Samuel T. Wall
• Keywords: Microscale chemistry; Matrix (chemical analysis); Multiscale Modeling; Cell Mechanics

Cardiomyocytes are the functional building blocks of heart-yet most models developed to simulate cardiac mechanics do not represent individual cells and their surrounding matrix. Instead, they work on a homogenized tissue level, assuming that cellular subcellular structures processes scale uniformly. Here we present mathematical numerical framework for exploring tissue-level microscale given an explicit three-dimensional geometrical representation embedded in We defined model over such geometry parametrized our using publicly available data from stretching shearing experiments. then used explore mechanical differences between extracellular intracellular space. Through sensitivity analysis, found stiffness matrix be important stress values under contraction. Strain were observed follow normal-tangential pattern concentrated along membrane, with substantial spatial variations both contraction stretching. also examined how it scales larger size simulations, considering multicellular domains. Our extends existing continuum models, providing new geometrical-based complex cell-cell cell-matrix interactions.