A new 3D finite element-based approach for computing cell surface tractions assuming nonlinear conditions

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249018
• Publication Date: 2021-04-14T21:44:44Z
• Authors: Silvia Hervas-Raluy; Maria Jose Gomez-...; Carlos Borau-Zamora; Mar Cóndor; Jose Manuel Garci...
• Keywords: Solver; Robustness; Computational model

Advances in methods for determining the forces exerted by cells while they migrate are essential attempting to understand important pathological processes, such as cancer or angiogenesis, among others. Precise data from three-dimensional conditions both difficult obtain and manipulate. For this purpose, it is critical develop workflows which experiments closely linked subsequent computational postprocessing. The work presented here starts a traction force microscopy (TFM) experiment carried out on microfluidic chips, automatically joined an inverse problem solver that allows us extract cell displacements of fluorescent beads embedded extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, reconstruction geometry recovery ECM used generate inputs resolution problem. solved iteratively using finite element method under hypothesis deformations nonlinear material formulation. Finally, after mathematical postprocessing performed, surface undeformed configuration obtained. work, we demonstrate robustness our computational-based methodology testing different extreme theoretical load then applying real case based experimental results. In summary, have developed new procedure adds value existing methodologies solving problems 3D, mainly allowing large not being restricted any particular addition, bridges gap between images mechanical computations.