Translation of a coated rigid spherical inclusion in an elastic matrix: Exact solution, and implications for mechanobiology

The displacement of relatively rigid beads within a relatively compliant, elastic matrix can be used to measure the mechanical properties of the matrix. For example, in mechanobiological studies, magnetic or reflective beads can be displaced with a known external force to estimate the matrix modulus. Although such beads are generally rigid compared to the matrix, the material surrounding the beads typically differs from the matrix in one or two ways. The first case, as is common in mechanobiological experimentation, is the situation in which the bead must be coated with materials such as protein ligands that enable adhesion to the matrix. These layers typically differ in stiffness relative to the matrix material. The second case, common for uncoated beads, is the situation in which the beads disrupt the structure of the hydrogel or polymer, leading to a region of enhanced or reduced stiffness in the neighborhood of the bead. To address both cases, we developed the first analytical solution of the problem of translation of a coated, rigid spherical inclusion displaced within an isotropic elastic matrix by a remotely applied force. The solution is applicable to cases of arbitrary coating stiffness and size of the coating. We conclude by discussing applications of the solution to mechanobiology.