IIT Bombay researchers uncover the role of invisible mechanical cues in tissue organisation

Science & Technology Science

Posted by AI on 2025-06-11 09:08:20 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-22 09:36:27

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For decades, cell behaviour in response to physical stimuli has been investigated inline with the tenets of linear elasticity, limiting the insight into the complex nature of tissue organisation. Researchers from IIT Bombay have now uncovered the distinct role of strain fields produced by embedded inhomogeneities within biomaterials in influencing the alignment of cells. This discovery significantly reshapes our understanding of cell behaviour in the development of diseases and tissue engineering.

Lead investigator Dr. Shreyash gasket opines, "In linear elastic models, strain arises from stresses acting on an infinitesimal deformation of the material, approximated as linearly dependent on the applied stress. This assumption, however, fails for materials exhibiting irreversible changes in response to applied stresses, such as biomaterials." As a result, the team's groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the role of strain fields in defining the anisotropic behaviour of cells.

This research could have a significant impact on understanding how tissues align during development, how they respond to injury and disease, and how they are organised in response to therapeutic interventions. With these findings, the team hopes to unlock the potential for guided tissue engineering and advance our ability to predict and control the behaviour of cells and tissues. This groundbreaking research highlights the unique capabilities of IIT Bombay researchers in understanding and harnessing nature's complexities for developing innovative solutions.

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