# Combining Experiments and Computer Simulation to Improve the Stem Cell Differentiation Process

> **NIH NIH R15** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON · 2021 · $418,653

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The long term goal of this work is to increase the yield as well as accelerate the process of stem cell differen-
tiation. Herein we choose adipogenesis to illustrate our approach, because it is important in developing tissue
replacements in situation that require soft tissue repair, including breast reconstruction. The goal is accomplished
through a combination of experimental and computer simulation techniques that allow improved prediction and
control of adipogenesis. A key element of this approach is a recently developed high-speed computer simulation
of cellular and subcellular dynamics. The speed of the simulation allows the use of experimental observations in
new ways, which allow 1) determination of the initial mechanical state of stem cells that lead to adipogenesis and
2) identification of areas in the differentiation process where time can be saved, thereby reducing the duration
of adipogenesis. Knowing the initial mechanical states that lead to adipogenesis allows prescreening of stem
cells so that the less viable ones can be eliminated, thereby increasing the process yield. The time history of the
forces acting between cellular and subcellular structures and the fluid surrounding them during adipogenesis is
examined to determine areas where the process time can be reduced. The high-fidelity, high-speed simulation
produces these time histories in a short amount of time, which allows us to iteratively search for time savings and
initial conditions and verify them using experiments. In this manner, the typical trial and error search for conditions
favorable to adipogenesis is shifted to the simulation, rather than accomplished through lengthy experiments. This
approach yields solutions for increasing the yield and decreasing the processing time for adipogenesis in much
less time than a purely experimental or numerical approach could. The success of this study will yield a template
for combining experimental and computer simulations that can be applied to increase understanding of many
biological processes that affect health and quality of life.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10114755
- **Project number:** 1R15EB030842-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Alan Paul Bowling
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $418,653
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10114755

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10114755, Combining Experiments and Computer Simulation to Improve the Stem Cell Differentiation Process (1R15EB030842-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10114755. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*