Development of sensor particles and computer simulations for the determination of mechanical cell stress during biofabrication (B07)

• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326998133

Hydrodynamic forces can cause enduring damage to living cells. Here we will develop microgel-based sensor particles together with computer simulations to understand in detail the mechanical stress on cells during biofabrication. For this, we will carry out microfluidic experiments in order to investigate shear stress in prototypical situations. Based on these efforts, we will develop a transparent printhead in order to monitor the deformation of cells and sensor particles in-situ during printing. Comparing sensor particles and living cells together with suitable modeling approaches will allow us to distinguish between passive mechanical and active biological responses of the cell.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 225: From the fundamentals of biofabrication towards functional tissue models
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Heads: Dr. Krystyna Albrecht; Professor Dr. Andreas Fery, until 12/2021; Professor Dr. Stephan Gekle; Professor Dr. Georg Papastavrou, since 1/2022