Developing mechanobiochemical models using geometric bulk-surface PDEs for cell migration in confinement

Synopsis

In this talk I will present new mechanobiochemical models for modelling single and collective cell migration, including in confinement. The models couple cell and nuclear mechanics with biochemical processes using a geometric bulk-surface partial differential equation (G-BS-PDE) approach. Inspired by experimental observations, I will motivate the formulation of these mechanobiochemical models which are based on force balance equations. The models are solved by using evolving bulk-surface finite element methods which allow for robust, accurate and efficient solvers. I will validate the models using experimental observations as well as demonstrating the generality and applicability of the mechanobiochemical modelling approach. The talk is suitable to a wider audience, it covers the full spectrum from experiments, modelling, numerics all the way to model-validation of experimental observations. It is also accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in the applications of PDEs.