Table 2.

Summary of the parameters in the computational model. Parameter values are either known based on experimental studies, fitted by comparing model predictions against neurite count data at the sections identified in figure 6 or investigated through a model sensitivity analysis. Finally, the number and radius of the PGFs are determined by optimizing to maximize the number of neurites that reach the DS.

parameters	definition	value
γ	growth rate of neurites	10 µm h−1 [23]
δ	standard deviation of growth rate	0.7 µm h−1 (investigated through sensitivity analysis)
n	number of fibres embedded within the NRC	to be determined via optimization
r	radius of each of the n fibres	to be determined via optimization
N	number of neurites initiated at the PS	2000 taken from experimental work [18]
βV	constant that represents the forward directional bias B(w), when a neurite grows within an empty tube and EngNT	fitted
α	thickness of the high-stiffness zone surrounding a PGF	20 µm [23]
kα	the neurite bias to move forward when in the stiffer area surrounding the PGFs	investigated through sensitivity analysis
NR	The noise reduction term (equation (2.9))	fitted