Simulation of mechanical modulation of an osteoblast cell due to fluid flow

Abstract

Bone is a living tissue which constantly adapts its internal structure to fit the needs of the mechanical environment and strain caused by the fluid flow. Mechanical forces such as tension and compression can be responsible for bone regeneration. In this study, the computational method of fluid-structure interaction was used for analyzing the nature of the mechanical stimulus in an osteoblast cell under the fluid flow inside a parallel plate system, for determining the change of strain, pressure and wall shear rate of the fluid. These changes were done by the outlet pressures of 100, 200 and 300 Pa and inlet velocities of 40, 80 and 120 mm/s. By increasing the outlet pressure from 100 to 200 Pa, the cell pressure increased by 90% and in the pressure of 300 Pa, 185%. By increasing the velocity from 40 to 80 mm/s cell pressure increased by 11% and in the velocity of 120 mm/s, 22%. Additionally, that cell membrane’s strain was relatively low, while it was significant in the contact region of the layer and cell. Also, the lower wall’s shearing rate has the most value. Conclusively, by controlling the applied mechanical forces, the growth and differentiation of osteoblast cell can be adjusted.