Computational Molecular Biology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 125-133 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/cmb 125 Research and Progress Open Access Advances in Biomechanics: Exploring Biophysical Models in Cellular Mechanics Xicheng Yang, Jie Gao China Biotech Pharma Holdings Limited, Beijing, 100020, China Corresponding author: jiegao2021@126.com Computational Molecular Biology, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/cmb.2024.14.0015 Received: 21 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 09 Jun., 2024 Published: 27 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Gao, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang X.C., and Gao J., 2024, Advances in biomechanics: exploring biophysical models in cellular mechanics, Computational Molecular Biology, 14(3): 125-133 (doi: 10.5376/cmb.2024.14.0015) Abstract Biomechanics and cellular mechanics provide crucial insights into how cells respond to their environment, influencing various biological processes and pathology. This study explores the evolution of biophysical models for understanding cell behavior and reviews their development from early mechanical methods to modern hybrid models. The key model types-continuous mechanics, discrete element models, and hybrid methods-were emphasized, as well as their applications in studying cell deformation, migration, and cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. Further investigation was conducted on the experimental methods and computational techniques used to validate these models, emphasizing the integration of experimental and simulation methods. Despite progress, there are still challenges in expanding models to capture the complexity of cellular processes. The future directions include multi-scale modeling, artificial intelligence, and potential applications in personalized healthcare. Biophysical models will continue to play a key role in advancing biomechanical research and deepening understanding of cellular mechanics in health and disease. Keywords Cellular mechanics; Biophysical models; Continuum mechanics; Cell deformation; Computational simulations 1 Introduction Biomechanics, the study of mechanical principles applied to biological systems, has evolved significantly over the past few decades (Oomens, 2014). Initially dominated by mechanical and civil engineers, the field has expanded to include a diverse array of disciplines such as biology, biophysics, and bioengineering. Cellular mechanics, a subfield of biomechanics, focuses on understanding how cells respond to mechanical forces and how these forces influence cellular functions and behaviors (Mow, 2011). This interdisciplinary approach has led to significant advancements in our understanding of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and mechanotransduction (Zhu et al., 2000). Biophysical models play a crucial role in elucidating the complex mechanical behaviors of cells (Rodriguez et al., 2013). These models integrate experimental data with computational simulations to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular mechanics at multiple spatial scales, from protein polymers to whole cells (Wang et al., 2021). The development of accurate and predictive biophysical models is essential for interpreting experimental observations, designing therapeutic techniques, and developing biomimetic materials (Liebman et al., 2020). Moreover, these models help in understanding the mechanobiological processes underlying various diseases, including cancer, by linking changes in cellular mechanics to disease progression and treatment responses（Ji and Bao, 2011). This study integrates the latest developments in the field of cellular mechanics, with a particular focus on biophysical models; Key developments and emerging trends will be highlighted, covering various aspects of cellular mechanics, including the mechanical response of cells to external forces, the role of cell adhesion, and the deformation of biomolecules. In addition, we will also discuss the challenges and future prospects faced in developing integrated, multi-scale interdisciplinary cell models. I hope these detailed studies can deepen our understanding of cellular mechanics and stimulate further research in this rapidly developing field.
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