A Self-Consistent Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Adhesion of Mammalian Cells onto Functionalized Surfaces

Abstract

Predicting cell adhesion onto surfaces functionalized with peptides is inherently a multiscale problem since the adhesion interface is mediated largely by interactions of specific peptides with surface receptors. This interaction occurs over length scales on the order of nanometers, while typical mammalian cells are on the order of microns. In this work, we showcase a self-consistent approach for obtaining specifics of interactions between peptide sequences and receptors, and then applying this chemical information to describe these interactions for cells that are decorated with these receptors. Using this approach we present adhesion equilibrium behavior for 3 different receptor-peptide sequences across a range of length scales, from 50 nm, to 500 nm. We believe this approach offers a clear path to scaling up to mammalian cells (5-20 microns).