Shape effects in biological adhesion of ellipsoidal cells

Blood platelet adhesion is crucial for arterial thrombosis and hemostasis. The attachment of platelets to the injuries takes place under the action of high hydrodynamic forces and relies on the formation of breakable ligand-receptor bonds between the cell and the adhesive substrate. In this work we study how the geometrical effects may change the adhesive forces that stick platelets to the wounds. The mathematical model shows that oblate cells with high aspect ratio are more favourable for thrombus growth.