Multiscale Network Model for Fibrin Fibers and Fibrin Clot with Protofibril Binding Mechanics

Abstract: The multiscale behavior of the individual fibrin fibers and fibrin clots is modeled by coupling atomistic simulation data and microscopic experimental data. We propose a protofibril element made up of nonlinear spring network, constructed based on the molecular simulation and atomic force microscopy results to simulate the force extension behavior of fibrin fibers. This new network model also accounts for the complex interaction of protofibrils with each other, effect of presence of solvent, Coulombic attraction and other binding forces. The network model is applied to simulate the force extension behavior of single fibrin fiber from atomic force microscopy experiments and shows good agreement. Thus validated fibrin fiber network model is then combined with a modified version of Arruda-Boyce eight chain model to estimate the force extension behavior of continuum level fibrin clot, which shows very good correlation. The results show that this network model is able to predict the behavior of fibrin fibers as well as fibrin clot at small strains, large strains and even closer to the break strain. We use the network model to explain why the fibrin clots and fibers doesn't behave like a worm like chain, instead behaves like a nonlinear spring.