  In this work the computer modeling has been used to show that longer ligands
allow biological cells (e.g., blood platelets) to withstand stronger flows
after their adhesion to solid walls. Mechanistic model of polymer-mediated
ligand-receptor adhesion between a microparticle (cell) and a flat wall has
been developed. Theoretical threshold between adherent and non-adherent regimes
has been derived analytically and confirmed by simulations. These results lead
to a deeper understanding of numerous biophysical processes, e.g., arterial
thrombosis, and to the design of new biomimetic colloid-polymer systems.
