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Cell mechanics: The role of simulation

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Advances on Modeling in Tissue Engineering

Part of the book series: Computational Methods in Applied Sciences ((COMPUTMETHODS,volume 20))

Abstract

Computer simulation is one of the most powerful tools available to the applied mechanician to understand the complexities of mechanical behavior. It has revolutionized design of virtually all man-made structures from aircraft and buildings to cell phones and computers. It has also become a relatively important tool in biomechanics and simulation of tissues and implants has become routine. Indeed we appear to be on the verge of patient specific simulation becoming a critical tool in orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery. However, its use as a tool of basic science is much less clear. In this chapter we explore the potential for mechanical simulation to contribute to improve fundamental understanding of biology. We consider the challenges of creating a model of a mechanobiological system with experimental validation. We propose that the area of cell mechanics is a particular area where simulation can make critically important contributions to understanding basic physiology and pathology and outline potential areas of future advancement.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Christopher R. Jacobs

  2. Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Daniel J. Kelly

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  1. Christopher R. Jacobs
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Correspondence to Christopher R. Jacobs .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. IDMEC – Instituto de Engenharia Mecânica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, Lisboa, 1049-001, Portugal

    Paulo R. Fernandes

  2. Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product, Leiria, Portugal

    Paulo Jorge Bártolo

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Jacobs, C.R., Kelly, D.J. (2011). Cell mechanics: The role of simulation. In: Fernandes, P., Bártolo, P. (eds) Advances on Modeling in Tissue Engineering. Computational Methods in Applied Sciences, vol 20. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1254-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1254-6_1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-1254-6

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