Hydraulic and electric control of cell spheroids

We use a theoretical approach to examine the effect of a radial fluid flow or electric current on the growth and homeostasis of a cell spheroid. Such conditions may be generated by a drain of micrometric diameter. To perform this analysis, we describe the tissue as a continuum. We include active mechanical, electric, and hydraulic components in the tissue material properties. We consider a spherical geometry and study the effect of the drain on the dynamics of the cell aggregate. We show that a steady fluid flow or electric current imposed by the drain could be able to significantly change the spheroid long-time state. In particular, our work suggests that a growing spheroid can systematically be driven to a shrinking state if an appropriate external field is applied. Order-of-magnitude estimates suggest that such fields are of the order of the indigenous ones. Similarities and differences with the case of tumors and embryo development are briefly discussed.

Automated summary

This study uses a theoretical approach to investigate the impact of radial fluid flow or electric current on the growth and homeostasis of a cell spheroid, showing that it can significantly change the spheroid's long-term state. The findings suggest that a growing spheroid can be systematically driven to a shrinking state if an appropriate external field is applied. Additionally, the study briefly discusses similarities and differences with tumors and embryo development.