Computational Molecular Biology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 125-133 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/cmb 126 2 Historical Perspective and Evolution of Biophysical Models 2.1 Early models in cellular mechanics The study of cellular mechanics has a rich history, beginning with the fundamental recognition of cells as the basic structural and functional units of life. Early models primarily focused on understanding the mechanical properties of cells and their responses to external stimuli. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for the development of more sophisticated models. For instance, the use of micropipette aspiration, a technique that has been in use for over five decades, enabled researchers to study the mechanical properties of various cell types by applying controlled suction to a cell and observing its deformation (Nathwani et al., 2018). This technique highlighted the importance of mechanical forces in cellular behavior and provided a quantitative method to measure cellular mechanical properties (Cheng et al., 2017). 2.2 Key developments in biomechanical research As the field progressed, significant advancements were made in both experimental techniques and theoretical models. The development of force spectroscopy techniques allowed for the precise measurement of mechanical forces at the single-molecule level, bridging the gap between biochemical and mechanical perspectives of cellular functions3. Additionally, the advent of computational models has been instrumental in interpreting experimental data and understanding complex cellular structures. These models have facilitated the study of cell mechanics at multiple spatial levels, from protein polymers to whole cells, and have been crucial in developing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The interplay between mechanical properties and cellular functions has also been a focal point of research. Studies have shown that mechanical forces and deformations play a critical role in regulating cell behavior and function, influencing processes such as mechanotransduction and cell rheology. The integration of experimental and computational approaches has provided a comprehensive understanding of these processes, enabling predictive in silico studies that complement experimental observations (Jones and Chapman, 2012). 2.3 Transition to modern biophysical modeling The transition to modern biophysical modeling has been marked by the development of integrated, multiscale models that capture the complexity of cellular mechanics. Recent reviews have highlighted the progress in mathematical models that describe the responses of cells to various biophysical cues, such as dynamic strain, osmotic shock, and fluid shear stress. These models have been essential in understanding the dynamic feedback mechanisms between cells and their microenvironments (Rodriguez et al., 2013). Furthermore, the field has seen significant advancements in the modeling of tissue growth and development. Theories that model the interplay between growth patterns and mechanical stress have applications in areas such as arterial mechanics, embryo morphogenesis, and tumor development. These models are categorized into continuum models and cell-based models, each offering unique insights into the mechanical behavior of growing tissues. In summary, the evolution of biophysical models in cellular mechanics has been driven by advancements in experimental techniques and computational modeling (González-Bermúdez et al., 2019). The integration of these approaches has provided a deeper understanding of the mechanical properties of cells and their responses to biophysical cues, paving the way for future research and applications in the field of biomechanics (Wang et al., 2021). 3 Types of Biophysical Models in Cellular Mechanics 3.1 Continuum mechanics models Continuum mechanics models treat tissues and cells as continuous materials, allowing for the application of classical mechanics principles to describe their behavior under various conditions. These models are particularly useful for understanding the mechanical responses of cells and tissues to external forces and internal stresses. For instance, the deformation gradient decomposition method is a continuum approach that allows for the development of residual stress fields from incompatible growth fields, which is crucial for modeling phenomena such as arterial mechanics and bone remodeling (Jones and Chapman, 2012). Additionally, continuum-based models have been employed to study the dynamics of biomembranes, emphasizing the importance of hydrodynamic effects in membrane biophysics. These models are grounded in elasticity theory, fluid dynamics, and statistical mechanics, providing a robust framework for simulating cellular mechanics over a range of length and time scales.
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