MechanoBioCAD: a generalized semi-automated computational tool for mechanobiological studies.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cellular Mechanics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Soft micropillar arrays are crucial for studying cellular mechanotransduction and biomechanics.
• Traditional beam-bending models used with these arrays often rely on simplified assumptions, leading to significant force estimation errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MechanoBioCAD (MBC), a finite element method (FEM)-based tool for accurate force estimation in micropillar research.
• To address and minimize errors associated with simplified assumptions in traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Developed MBC, a FEM-based tool that utilizes the principle of minimizing total potential energy.
• Automated FEM model generation, analysis, and post-processing for force quantification from deflection input.
• Incorporated solutions for substrate deformation, interpillar interactions, load application heights, and nonlinear effects.

Main Results:

• MBC demonstrated reduced errors in force estimation compared to traditional methods.
• Specific error reductions of 23% for fibroblast cell traction and 34% for Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) thrashing were recorded.
• The tool provides accurate force quantification based on deflection measurements.

Conclusions:

• MBC offers a more accurate and robust approach to force estimation in micropillar-based biomechanics research.
• The open-access nature of MBC, compatible with Abaqus Student Edition, democratizes advanced FEM analysis for a wider research community.
• Enhances rational design, analysis, and error estimation for researchers without specialized FEM expertise.