arXiv · cond-mat/0303499
Deformation of crosslinked semiflexible polymer networks
Abstract
Networks of filamentous proteins play a crucial role in cell mechanics. These cytoskeletal networks, together with various crosslinking and other associated proteins largely determine the (visco)elastic response of cells. In this letter we study a model system of crosslinked, stiff filaments in order to explore the connection between the microstructure under strain and the macroscopic response of cytoskeletal networks. We find two distinct regimes as a function primarily of crosslink density and filament rigidity: one characterized by affine deformation and one by non-affine deformation. We characterize the crossover between these two.
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D. A. Head, A. J. Levine, F. C. MacKintosh. 2003-06-23. Deformation of crosslinked semiflexible polymer networks. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.91.108102
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