This article presents a review of the current understanding of the mechanics of random fiber
networks. The discussion refers to athermal fiber networks, for which the governing …

The actin cytoskeleton, a network of protein-polymers, is responsible for the mechanical
stability of cells. This biopolymer network is also crucial for processes that require spatial …

In this review, we focus on four current related issues in multiscale modeling of soft and
biological matter. First, we discuss how to use structural information from detailed models (or …

Adherent cells generate forces through acto-myosin contraction to move, change shape, and
sense the mechanical properties of their environment. They are thought to maintain defined …

Biopolymer networks, such as those constituting the cytoskeleton of a cell or biological
tissue, exhibit a nonlinear strain-stiffening behavior when subjected to large deformations …

Mechanical metamaterials are usually designed to show desired responses to prescribed
forces. In some applications, the desired force–response relationship is hard to specify …

The high diversity of cytoskeletal actin structures is accomplished by myriads of actin binding
proteins (ABPs). Depending on its concentration, even a single type of ABP can induce …

Biophysical stimuli presented to cells via microenvironmental properties (eg, alignment and
stiffness) or external forces have a significant impact on cell function and behavior. Recently …

Axons span extreme distances and are subject to significant stretch deformations during
limb movements or sudden head movements, especially during impacts. Yet, axon …

Understanding the deformation behavior of biopolymer hydrogels would aid in the design of
artificial hydrogels and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, which have been …