Micromechanobiology: A micromechanics approach to mechanobiology

Abstract

The thrust of this article is to postulate a possible route along the micro-meso-macro lines of micromechanics to contribute to the vibrant field of mechanobiology. In particular, we focus on mechanotransduction: the machinery by which cells adapt to their environment and how its failure is key to many diseases, including cancer. Starting out from the geometrical similarity with open-cell foams, for which the micro-meso-macro transition is well developed, this paper summarizes the current understanding of the mechanical behavior of biopolymer networks as central entities in mechanotransduction. More specifically, we address the dynamics of molecular networks in the nuclear membrane, filamentous networks in the cytoskeleton, as well as networks making up the extracellular matrix. We emphasize that the enhanced richness in behavior of these networks originates from the relatively large contribution of entropy. We also identify a number of challenges arising from the fact that the materials involved are intrinsically dynamic and active. The development of tools needed to address these challenges has just started and thus offers a bright future for current and new generations of micromechanicians.