Ratchet transport of confluent tissues driven by the temporally oscillatory potential

Abstract

Cell migration is a fundamental biological process that has significant implications for controlling cellular movement and understanding cellular responses to stimuli. In this study, we report the ratchet transport of confluent tissues driven by the temporally oscillatory potential. Our research indicates that the temporally oscillatory potential can serve as the non-equilibrium driving force to manipulate net currents. Especially, the asymmetric parameter offers a framework for explaining and predicting the movement direction of confluent tissues. Additionally, changes in the shape index can alter the state of the cells, thereby regulating the ratchet effect. By optimizing the amplitude, the angular frequency, and the cell number, the system can achieve its maximum rectification. Our findings may provide valuable insights for the application of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where regulating tissue dynamics is crucial.