Evaluation of Cell’s Passability in ECM Network

Abstract The microstructure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in affecting cell migration, especially nonproteolytic migration. It is difficult, however, to measure some properties of the ECM, such as stiffness and the passability for cell migration. On the basis of a network model of collagen fiber in the ECM, which has been well applied to simulate the mechanical behaviors, such as the stress-strain relationship, damage, and failure, we proposed a series of methods to study the microstructure properties, containing pore size and pore stiffness, and to search for the possible migration paths for cells. Finally, with a given criterion, we quantitatively evaluated the passability of the ECM network for cell migration. The fiber network model with a microstructure and the analysis method presented in this paper further our understanding of and ability to evaluate the properties of an ECM network.