Translational Biomechanics: From Tissue Mechanics to Smart Medical Devices

Description:

Biomechanics and biomaterials research stands at the forefront of contemporary bioengineering and biotechnology, shaping the future of precision healthcare. Rapid advances in experimental tissue mechanics, computational modelling, and biosensing technologies are unlocking unprecedented understanding of physiological processes and disease development. In parallel, biomaterials science continually delivers novel biofidelic materials and engineered tissue surrogates that recapitulate the complex mechanical environments of native tissues. These combined efforts are now at a pivotal stage, where integration across disciplines is essential for transforming laboratory insights into clinical and commercial technologies. Despite major progress, there remain barriers in translating granular, tissue-level mechanics into the smart and responsive medical devices needed for personalised medicine.

This Research Topic aims to highlight and accelerate key advances that directly link tissue biomechanics, biomaterials engineering, and the innovation of next-generation medical devices. The objective is to address persistent gaps in harmonising experimental biomechanics, multiscale computational modelling, and translational device design. In particular, we seek to foreground work that elucidates the complex mechanical behaviour of biological tissues, leverages patient-specific or data-driven simulations, and optimises device design for safety and clinical performance. Investigations incorporating artificial intelligence, digital twins, soft robotics, biosensing, and material-driven therapeutics are especially encouraged, as these areas represent vital bridges from bench to bedside.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses interdisciplinary research that brings together principles of tissue mechanics, computational biology, and biomaterial-driven device innovation within translational biomedical contexts. Submissions should address, but are not limited to:

o Experimental biomechanics of biological tissues and engineered biomaterial surrogates

o Multiscale and data-driven computational modelling for prediction and design

o Biomaterials development guiding next-generation device innovation and validation

o Integration of smart technologies for responsive or real-time clinical interventions

o Case studies highlighting clinical translation of biomechanics-informed and biomaterial-enabled devices