title: Three-dimensional cross-linked F-actin networks: relation between network architecture and mechanical behavior.
abstract: Numerical simulations are reported for the response of three-dimensional cross-linked F-actin networks when subjected to large deformations. In addition to the physiological parameters such as actin and cross-linker concentration, the model explicitly accounts for filament properties and network architecture. Complementary to two-dimensional studies, we find that the strain-stiffening characteristics depend on network architecture through the local topology around cross-links.
authors.affiliation: Micromechanics of Materials, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, NL-9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Huisman
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Dillen
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Onck
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van der Giessen
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D008956:Models, Chemical
chemical_list: D000199:Actins