Cell membrane tensile strain under cyclic compression: A viscoelastic myoblast finite element model

Cyclic mechanical stimulation could lead to subsequent biomechanical and biological effects on cells. Viscoelastic cells could deform or show energy dissipation with hysteresis behavior in response to external cyclic compression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclic compression on a single viscoelastic myoblast through a confocal–based cell–specific finite element model, including cell membrane tensile strain and damaged elements. Sinusoidal compression was applied to the apical surface of the myoblast (cell membrane) with compressive stress of 500 ​± ​500 ​Pa (with stress offset at 500 ​Pa and amplitude of 500 ​Pa) at 0 ​Hz (static compression of 500 ​Pa), 0.25 ​Hz, 0.5 ​Hz, 0.75 ​Hz, 1 ​Hz, 5 ​Hz, and 10 ​Hz. Results showed that the ratio of average tensile strain integral in all cell membrane elements over a certain period of time (T) to that duration (T) (MAS index) decreased under cyclic compression compared to that of static compression in the short term (within 4 ​s). Furthermore, compared to static compression, the percentage of damaged elements of cell membrane under cyclic compression decreased assuming a 3% cell membrane tensile strain damage threshold. The optimal cyclic compression frequency 0.25 ​Hz led to the largest difference of MAS index under cyclic compression and static compression. These results may provide support for the application of cyclic compressive stimulation in the prevention of cell damage.