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Motion of an Adhesive Gel in a Swelling Gradient: a Mechanism for Cell Locomotion

Jean-Francois Joanny·Frank Julicher·Jacques Prost
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Abstract

Motivated by the motion of nematode sperm cells, we present a model for the motion of an adhesive gel on a solid substrate. The gel polymerizes at the leading edge and depolymerizes at the rear. The motion results from a competition between a self-generated swelling gradient and the adhesion on the substrate. The resulting stress provokes the rupture of the adhesion points and allows for the motion. The model predicts an unusual force-velocity relation which depends in significant ways on the point of application of the force.

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Jean-Francois Joanny, Frank Julicher, Jacques Prost. 2003-03-10. Motion of an Adhesive Gel in a Swelling Gradient: a Mechanism for Cell Locomotion. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.90.168102

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