Demonstration and interpretation of "scutoid" cells in a quasi-2D soap froth

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that scutoid-shaped cells, previously observed in biological tissues, can also be formed in dry foam systems under curved boundary conditions, combining simulations and experiments.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence that scutoid cells can be realized in foam systems, linking biological cell shapes to physical foam behavior under curvature.

Findings

Scutoid cells are observed in dry foam with curved boundaries.

Simulations and experiments confirm the formation of scutoids in foam.

Curvature induces scutoid shapes in foam structures.

Abstract

Recently a novel type of epithelial cell has been discovered and dubbed the "scutoid". It is induced by curvature of the bounding surfaces. We show by simulations and experiments that such cells are to be found in a dry foam subjected to this boundary condition.