Drug screening and toxicity testing in vitro involves using cell cultures or tissues to assess the effects of drugs or chemicals. These tests play a crucial role in drug development, allowing scientists to identify potential candidates, understand their mechanisms of action, and evaluate their safety profiles before progressing to more complex and costly in vivo or clinical studies. In the realm of in vitro models, there is a growing emphasis on physiological relevance systems to improve the accuracy of predictions. The test methods and conditions must follow defined standards to ensure that resulting data are robust and reproducible. Incorporating mechanical property tests into these models, such as spheroids or organoids, contributes to a more realistic representation of in vivo conditions, thereby bolstering the reliability and translational potential of drug screening studies.

A muscle contractility functional assay focuses on the mechanisms underlying muscle contraction and relaxation. Scientists typically generate muscle tissue and then set up an experimental apparatus to measure muscle contraction kinetics. Electrical stimulation is often used to induce specific contraction types, and a force transducer measures the mechanical force generated during contraction. This setup allows scientists to test the effects of drugs or interventions on muscle kinetic and analyze the data to gain insights into contractility. In vitro muscle assays are valuable for understanding muscle physiology, identifying therapeutic targets, and evaluating the impact of various interventions on muscle contractility.

Degradability tests are designed to simulate the conditions a biomaterial, such as biocompatible polymers, might encounter in vivo and evaluate its stability and breakdown characteristics. These tests help scientists understand the kinetics and mechanisms of degradation, ensuring that the biomaterial is safe and does not cause harm to surrounding tissues as it undergoes degradation. For instance, it is fundamental for tissue engineering scaffolds that need to endure long enough to support engrafting and subsequently be reabsorbed into the tissue. Similarly, in drug delivery materials, the degradation should align with the release of therapeutic agents at specific locations based on defined biochemical characteristics or for time-controlled release. Changes in the mechanical behavior of biomaterials, including strength and stiffness, can indicate the extent of degradation and the potential impact on the material’s performance. Ultimately, mechanical properties are a functional readout of degradability that empowers scientists to navigate the intricate balance between material stability and biocompatibility, paving the way for innovative and reliable biomedical solutions.

Quality control of biomaterials and biological samples is essential to the success of biomedical
research, clinical diagnostics, and various biotechnological applications. By implementing robust quality control measures at every stage of the material lifecycle, scientists can ensure reliability and reproducibility in accordance with the highest ethical and regulatory standards. Using mechanical property measurement as part of quality control practices, scientists can guarantee that biomaterials and biological samples meet predefined requirements and adhere to established standards. This approach enhances the overall quality of materials and aligns with the broader objectives of ensuring safety, efficacy, and reliability in biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Mechanobiology is a multidisciplinary field that investigates the interplay between mechanical forces and biological systems. It explores how physical forces and mechanical properties influence the structure, function, and behavior of living organisms at various levels of complexity, ranging from individual cells to tissues and entire organisms. The field encompasses a wide range of topics, including cellular mechanics, extracellular matrix dynamics, tissue biomechanics, and the role of mechanical forces in various physiological and pathological processes. Mechanobiology also extends to the study of how mechanical forces interface with biomaterials. Biomaterials refer to materials engineered to interact with biological systems for various purposes, such as medical implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery systems. They are designed not only to provide structural support but also to actively engage with the surrounding biological environment. Therefore, mechanobiology is an evolving field that bridges the gap between biology, physics, engineering, and materials science. Its insights have implications for various areas, including tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases influenced by mechanical factors. As technology and interdisciplinary collaboration continue to advance, mechanobiology holds the promise of uncovering new dimensions of the mechanical underpinnings of life.