Tissues are made up of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM), a cross-linked network of fibers that exhibits complex mechanics. Cells actively alter the ECM structure and mechanics by applying contractile forces. These forces can propagate far into the matrix and allow for remote cellular sensing. We study experimentally and computationally how cell-generated forces are transmitted in fibrous environments, the associated physical mechanisms, and the ability of the propagated forces to support mechanical interaction between distant cells. Also, we demonstrate how the dynamic changes in the ECM structure can lead to improve transport of molecules traveling between the cells, facilitating mechano-biochemical interactions. Such long-range force interactions through the ECM can drive large-scale cooperative biological processes, such that occur during wound healing and morphogenesis. Our work can also provide design parameters for biomaterials used in tissue engineering applications.
