Biogels are complex polymeric networks whose proper function is important
to many physiological processes. For example, the proper function of mucus
gel is important for airway clearance, reproduction, digestion, gastric
protection, and disease protection and its failure is involved in cystic
fibrosis, gastric ulcers, and reproductive dysfunction. Fibrin clots are
crucial for prevention of bleeding after injury but inappropriate formation
of clots is implicated in hearts attacks and strokes.
There are three phases of biogel dynamics that are important to their
biological function. These are their formation (i.e., blood clotting),
degradation (clot dissolution), and swelling/deswelling kinetics (during
mucin secretion/exocytosis, for example).
The purpose of this talk is to describe recent advances in the study of the
dynamics of fibrin clot formation. In particular, I will derive and discuss
features of a new partial differential equation model that describes the
growth of fibrin clots as a polymerization/gelation reaction. The solution
of this PDE model gives insight into the branching structure of clots that
are formed under various physiological conditions.