Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the neurological disorder with the highest incidence and prevalence, and poses a huge public health burden for the whole society. An in-depth study of the biomechanics of TBI can help to improve the effectiveness of head protection, develop rapid assessment techniques and take timely interventions, thus reducing the risk of injury deterioration. As a numerical analysis tool, the finite element head model (FEHM) is able to simulate the dynamic response of the head during impact, including the spatial and temporal distribution of stress-strain in brain tissues, and the change of intracranial pressure, which provides an important basis for understanding the mechanical mechanism of TBI. This paper summarizes in detail the current status and development of mainstream finite element models of the human head at home and abroad, traces the development of the models, summarises the characteristics of the models and introduces the research progress of TBI mechanisms based on finite element models. The summary and sorting out of related research will be helpful for the development of new FEHMs and provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the risk assessment of traumatic brain injury and the design of protective equipment.

Tumor cell invasion is the key driver of metastatic dissemination, resulting in the development and progression of metastatic tumors at secondary sites, and remains the major cause of cancer-related death. Recent studies suggest that, in addition to protease-mediated degradation and chemotaxis-stimulated migration, tumor invasion is significantly influenced by physical surroundings. How tumor cells decode information about their shape deformation under mechanical stress and adapt their dynamic behavior to escape the confined regions remains largely unknown. This review highlights recent findings that illustrate mechanical cues in confined tumor microenvironment contribute to tumor progression. We also systematically discuss the role of compression-induced deformation in cell membrane topology and cytoskeletal remodeling, as well as its biophysical mechanisms in regulating tumor invasion from a biomechanical perspective.

Lubrication deficiency in articular cartilage (AC) triggers irreversible and progressive degradation of AC, termed osteoarthritis (OA). Bio-lubrication-based strategies have been proposed as effective ways to restore temporary cartilage lubrication for OA postponement or even OA healing. The design of lubricants has inspired an exploration of the reasons behind the low friction in cartilage and the components responsible for the lubrication function in cartilage. Recently, lipids, as emerging lubrication components in AC, have been extensively studied and confirmed to play essential roles in maintaining cartilage lubrication. This review brings forward the main challenges of establishing a satisfactory functional articular cartilage biomaterial with sufficient lubrication from the perspectives of the complexity of physiology and microenvironment of osteochondral tissue. Next, we comprehensively discuss lubrication models of AC, including the lubrication mechanism of AC, OA associated with lipids, lipid lubrication mechanism and application, and the synergistic effects of phospholipids in lubrication. In particular, we highlight the advantages and application of lipids and their derivatives in lubrication. Finally, we analyze the future prospects of lipid-based biomaterials to achieve the perfect treatment of OA. This comprehensive and instructive review can provide deep insights into our current understanding of lipids and lubrication-related diseases.

3D printing techniques offer an effective method in fabricating complex radially multi-material structures. However, it is challenging for complex and delicate radially multi-material model geometries without supporting structures, such as tissue vessels and tubular graft, among others. In this work, we tackle these challenges by developing a polar digital light processing technique which uses a rod as the printing platform. The 3D model fabrication is accomplished through line projection. The rotation and translation of the rod are synchronized to project and illuminate the photosensitive material volume. By controlling the distance between the rod and the printing window, we achieved the printing of tubular structures with a minimum wall thickness as thin as 50 micrometers. By controlling the width of fine slits at the printing window, we achieved the printing of structures with a minimum feature size of 10 micrometers. Our process accomplished the fabrication of thin-walled tubular graft structure with a thickness of only 100 micrometers and lengths of several centimeters within a timeframe of just 100 s. Additionally, it enables the printing of axial multi-material structures, thereby achieving adjustable mechanical strength. This method is conducive to rapid customization of tubular grafts and the manufacturing of tubular components in fields such as dentistry, aerospace, and more.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and serious disease. Its diagnosis usually requires 12-lead electrocardiogram, which is heavy and inconvenient. At the same time, the venue for diagnosis is also limited to the hospital. With the development of the concept of intelligent medical, a wearable, portable, and reliable diagnostic method is needed to improve the patient’s comfort and alleviate the patient’s pain. Here, we reported a wearable atrial fibrillation prediction wristband (AFPW) which can provide long-term monitoring and AF diagnosis. AFPW uses polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric film as sensing material and hydrogel as skin bonding material, of which the structure and design have been optimized and improved. The hydrogel skin bonding layer has good stability and skin affinity, which can greatly improve the user experience. AFPW has enhanced signal, strong signal-to-noise ratio, and wireless transmission function. After a sample library of 385 normal people/patients is analyzed and tested by linear discriminant analysis, the diagnostic success rate of atrial fibrillation is 91%. All these excellent performances demonstrate the great application potential of AFPW in wearable device diagnosis and intelligent medical treatment.

The bone matrix plays an indispensable role in the human body, and its unique biomechanical and mechanobiological properties have received much attention. The bone matrix has unique mechanical anisotropy and exhibits both strong toughness and high strength. These mechanical properties are closely associated with human life activities and correspond to the function of bone in the human body. None of the mechanical properties exhibited by the bone matrix is independent of its composition and structure. Studies on the biomechanics of the bone matrix can provide a reference for the preparation of more applicable bone substitute implants, bone biomimetic materials and scaffolds for bone tissue repair in humans, as well as for biomimetic applications in other fields. In providing mechanical support to the human body, bone is constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli. Through the study of the mechanobiology of the bone matrix, the response mechanism of the bone matrix to its surrounding mechanical environment can be elucidated and used for the health maintenance of bone tissue and defect regeneration. This paper summarizes the biomechanical properties of the bone matrix and their biological significance, discusses the compositional and structural basis by which the bone matrix is capable of exhibiting these mechanical properties, and studies the effects of mechanical stimuli, especially fluid shear stress, on the components of the bone matrix, cells and their interactions. The problems that occur with regard to the biomechanics and mechanobiology of the bone matrix and the corresponding challenges that may need to be faced in the future are also described.