Dissipative particle dynamics simulation of proposed artificial filament contraction mechanism using variable external force inspired by nature

ABSTRACT

In this numerical research, the proposed mechanism of contraction of an artificial muscle filament with regard to the performance of a natural filament and the possibility of industrial production is presented using the Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) method. First, an artificial myosin component has been simulated, which includes a micro-nozzle with a thin fixed two-end polymer membrane in the middle. The swelling of the limited permeable membrane from one side results from moving the DPD fluid and, consequently, the fluid force will be transferred. Also, by changing the direction of the movement of the fluid, the swelling of the polymer membrane is reversed. It has been shown that the amount of swelling is directly dependent on the amount and direction of external force implementation (${\mathrm{F}}^e$=$\pm$0.001, $\pm$0.003, $\pm$0.005 and $\pm$0.007) and there is a delay (almost one DPD unit) in the amount of displacement when the direction of the flow is changed due to the inertia force effect. The proposed mechanism includes six double artificial myosins, whose myosin movement causes that actin to take contraction in a wave motion considering both forward and backward movements of the limited permeable thin membrane. Also, more artificial myosins may provide smoother contraction.

KEYWORDS:

• Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD)
• artificial filament
• contraction mechanism
• myosins

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Corresponding author (1 author): idea, simulation and writing of paper.

Additional information

The corresponding author clarifies that any human animal or human data have not been used during the study.

Data availability statement

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.