Dynamical Response of Biological System and Biomaterial 2024

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2024) | Viewed by 6625

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School of Engineering (SI-UniBas), Università degli Studi della Basilicata (UniBas), 85100 Potenza, PZ, Italy
Interests: contact mechanics; tribology; mechanical vibrations; vehicle dynamics; material characterization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the dynamical responses of biological components, such as those of human and animal bodies, is crucial for monitoring their functionalities. In addition, the mechanical performance of biological tissues has, in recent years, inspired in-depth analyses by researchers who are involved in studying how to mimic these properties for many applications. Indeed, for several years now, bio-inspired materials have been employed to fabricate medical devices (e.g., optimal adhesive tapes), as well as miniaturized robots, but many examples also exist in regenerative medicine, such as synthetic tissues, which are utilized for treating injuries (e.g., in the ligament, brain, and spinal cord). However, when considering a biomaterial to be used in implants, various aspects, such as biocompatibility and its mechanical functions, should also be studied.

It is quite evident, therefore, how important it is to appropriately characterize these materials, both through specific experimental methods and through the development of predictive theories. The main goal of this Special Issue is to report advances in this research field and disclose some still-unknown characteristics of human and animal organ materials, which are typically heterogeneous, ultra-soft, and sometimes biphasic, non-linear, or viscoelastic.

The Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles that enable the exchange of novel insights regarding biological components and their material properties. Both experimental and modeling approaches will provide us with a more profound and thorough understanding of the mechanical behavior of living matter. Due to the intrinsic multidisciplinary nature of this research topic, synergies are encouraged between different fields, such as engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

Dr. Elena Pierro
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Carbone
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biological materials
  • tissue engineering
  • biomimetic materials
  • dynamical response
  • mechanical characterization
  • biomimetics
  • mechanical properties
  • nonlinear materials
  • viscoelastic materials

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 6225 KiB  
Article
The Contribution of the Limbus and Collagen Fibrils to Corneal Biomechanical Properties: Estimation of the Low-Strain In Vivo Elastic Modulus and Tissue Strain
by Frederick H. Silver, Tanmay Deshmukh, Dominick Benedetto, Mickael Asfaw, Olivia Doyle, Nicholas Kozachuk and Kamryn Li
Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120758 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1248
Abstract
We have compared the biomechanical properties of human and porcine corneas using vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT). The elastic modulus of the cornea has been previously reported in the literature to vary from about several kPa to more than several GPa based on [...] Read more.
We have compared the biomechanical properties of human and porcine corneas using vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT). The elastic modulus of the cornea has been previously reported in the literature to vary from about several kPa to more than several GPa based on the results of different techniques. In addition, the formation of corneal cones near the central cornea in keratoconus has been observed in the clinic. Measurements of the resonant frequency and morphology of human and porcine corneas were used to evaluate the role of the limbus in corneal stabilization, the effect of Bowman’s layer, and the effect of collagen content on the low-strain corneal biomechanics. The results of these studies indicate that limbus stability plays an important anatomic role in preventing folding, corneal slippage, and cone formation. Machine learning studies of both human and porcine corneas indicate that Bowman’s membrane, like that of the collagen fibrils found in the anterior corneal stroma, contributes to the 110–120 Hz resonant frequency peak. Finite element and SOLIDWORKS models of normal and keratoconus corneas suggest that the deformation of the cornea is the highest at the central zone and is higher in keratoconus corneas compared to normal controls. VOCT results suggest that although collagen fibril slippage occurs first at the limbus, cone formation in keratoconus occurs centrally/paracentrally, where stress concentration and deformation due to intraocular forces are the highest. Cone formation occurs at the points of maximum curvature. Results of these studies indicate the elastic modulus of cornea fibrillar collagen dictates the corneal elastic modulus at low strains. These results suggest that tension in the cornea at the limbus results in deformation into the low modulus region of the J-shaped stress–strain curve, resulting in an in vivo strain of less than about 10%. We propose that tension in the cornea provides a baseline force that regulates corneal epithelial regeneration as well as corneal lamellae composition and matrix turnover. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamical Response of Biological System and Biomaterial 2024)
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13 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Responses of Human Skin and Fascia to an Innovative Stimulation Device—Shear Wave Stimulation
by Na Qiao, Lucas Ouillon, Alexandre Bergheau, Virginie Dumas, Coralie Privet-Thieulin, Jean-Luc Perrot and Hassan Zahouani
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080475 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1450
Abstract
Exposure to mechanical stimuli such as pressure and stretching prompts the skin to undergo physiological adaptations to accommodate and distribute applied forces, a process known as mechanotransduction. Mechanotherapy, which leverages mechanotransduction, shows significant promise across various medical disciplines. Traditional methods, such as massage [...] Read more.
Exposure to mechanical stimuli such as pressure and stretching prompts the skin to undergo physiological adaptations to accommodate and distribute applied forces, a process known as mechanotransduction. Mechanotherapy, which leverages mechanotransduction, shows significant promise across various medical disciplines. Traditional methods, such as massage and compression therapy, effectively promote skin healing by utilizing this mechanism, although they require direct skin contact. This study introduces a novel contactless modality, Shear Wave Stimulation (SWS), and evaluates its efficacy compared to traditional massage in eliciting responses from human skin and fascia. Fifteen healthy volunteers received SWS, while another fifteen volunteers received massage. Tests of skin mechanical properties revealed significant enhancements in skin shear modulus for both methods, showing an increase of approximately 20%. Additionally, deformation analysis of ultrasound images showed distinct responses of the skin and fascia to the two stimuli. SWS induced extension in the dermis (∼18%), hypodermis (∼16%), and fascia (∼22%) along the X and Y axes. In contrast, massage compressed the skin layers, reducing the dermis by around 15% and the hypodermis by about 8%, while simultaneously stretching the superficial fascia by approximately 8%. The observed extension across the entire skin with SWS highlights its potential as a groundbreaking contactless approach for promoting skin healing. Furthermore, the differing responses in blood flow reaffirm the distinct stimulation modes of SWS and massage. These findings establish a foundation for future innovative skin therapy modalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamical Response of Biological System and Biomaterial 2024)
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Review

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19 pages, 471 KiB  
Review
Comparing Biomechanical Properties of Bioabsorbable Suture Anchors: A Comprehensive Review
by Dorien I. Schonebaum, Noelle Garbaccio, Maria J. Escobar-Domingo, Sasha Wood, Jade. E. Smith, Lacey Foster, Morvarid Mehdizadeh, Justin J. Cordero, Jose A. Foppiani, Umar Choudry, David L. Kaplan and Samuel J. Lin
Biomimetics 2025, 10(3), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10030175 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Suture anchors (SAs) are medical devices used to connect soft tissue to bone. Traditionally these were made of metal; however, in the past few decades, bio-absorbable suture anchors have been created to overcome revision surgeries and other complications caused by metallic SAs. This [...] Read more.
Suture anchors (SAs) are medical devices used to connect soft tissue to bone. Traditionally these were made of metal; however, in the past few decades, bio-absorbable suture anchors have been created to overcome revision surgeries and other complications caused by metallic SAs. This systematic review aims to analyze the biomechanical properties of these SAs to gain a better understanding of their safety and utilization. A comprehensive systematic review that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Primary outcomes were that the pull-out strength of SAs, the rate of degradation secondarily, and the biocompatibility of all SAs were analyzed. After screening 347 articles, 16 were included in this review. These studies revealed that the pull-out strength of bio-absorbable SAs was not inferior to that of their non-absorbable comparatives. The studies also revealed that the rate of degradation varies widely from 7 to 90 months. It also showed that not all absorbable SAs were fully absorbed within the expected timeframe. This systematic review demonstrates that existing suture anchor materials exhibit comparable pull-out strengths, material-specific degradation rates, and variable biocompatibility. All-suture anchors had promising results in biocompatibility, but evidence fails to identify a single most favorable material. Higher-powered studies that incorporate tissue-specific characteristics, such as rotator cuff tear size, are warranted. To meet demonstrated shortcomings in strength and biocompatibility, we propose silk fibroin as a novel material for suture anchor design for its customizable properties and superior strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamical Response of Biological System and Biomaterial 2024)
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24 pages, 9897 KiB  
Review
Surface Deformation of Biocompatible Materials: Recent Advances in Biological Applications
by Sunhee Yoon, Ahmed Fuwad, Seorin Jeong, Hyeran Cho, Tae-Joon Jeon and Sun Min Kim
Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070395 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
The surface topography of substrates is a crucial factor that determines the interaction with biological materials in bioengineering research. Therefore, it is important to appropriately modify the surface topography according to the research purpose. Surface topography can be fabricated in various forms, such [...] Read more.
The surface topography of substrates is a crucial factor that determines the interaction with biological materials in bioengineering research. Therefore, it is important to appropriately modify the surface topography according to the research purpose. Surface topography can be fabricated in various forms, such as wrinkles, creases, and ridges using surface deformation techniques, which can contribute to the performance enhancement of cell chips, organ chips, and biosensors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of soft, hard, and hybrid substrates used in the bioengineering field and the surface deformation techniques applied to the substrates. Furthermore, this review summarizes the cases of cell-based research and other applications, such as biosensor research, that utilize surface deformation techniques. In cell-based research, various studies have reported optimized cell behavior and differentiation through surface deformation, while, in the biosensor and biofilm fields, performance improvement cases due to surface deformation have been reported. Through these studies, we confirm the contribution of surface deformation techniques to the advancement of the bioengineering field. In the future, it is expected that the application of surface deformation techniques to the real-time interaction analysis between biological materials and dynamically deformable substrates will increase the utilization and importance of these techniques in various fields, including cell research and biosensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamical Response of Biological System and Biomaterial 2024)
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