Methods and models of bone cell mechanobiology

The skeletal system is an important mechanical support frame for the human body. When bones are subjected to external force or motion, their changing laws can reflect mechanical and biological properties. The mechanisms and roles of mechanobiology in bone development and remodeling have attracted attention from scientific researchers and developments in the field have led to the continuous improvement of devices and techniques. This chapter summarizes the methods and models of bone mechanobiology both in vitro and in vivo. Fluid shear stress (FSS), cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS), hydrostatic compressive force, vibration, and substrate stiffness, and devices such as clinostats and superconducting magnets, are used to simulate various mechanical unloading on bone cell mechanobiology in vitro. Three-point bending, vibration, exercise (treadmill and swimming), hindlimb unloading (HLU), immobilization, and bedrest are used to simulate various mechanical loading on bone mechanobiology in vivo.