BONE MECHANOTRANSDUCTION: A REVIEW

Abstract-This review focus on the bone physiology and mechanotransduction elements and mechanisms. Bone biology and architecture is deeply related to the mechanical environment. Orthopaedic implants cause profound changes in the biomechanics and electrophysiology of the skeleton. In the context of biomedical engineering, a deep reflexion on bone physiology and electromechanics is needed. Strategic development of new biomaterials and devices that respect and promote continuity with bone structure could have a major impact on patient's well being. Keywords-Bone, Mechanotransduction, Electromechanics, Piezolectricity Introduction Bone is a complex and dynamic tissue, both light and strong, and that provides structural support for the body, protection of internal organs and acts as levers to which muscles are attached, allowing movement. Besides these major functions, the skeleton is also essential as mineral reservoir and participates in acid-base balance. Bone is composed of 70% inorganic component (of which 95% is hydroxyapatite and 5% impurities impregnated in hydroxyapatite), 22% to 25% of organic component (of which 94-98% is mainly collagen type I and other non-collagen proteins and 2%-5% are cells) and 5 to 8% is water. Bone mechanical properties depend on mineralization degree, porosity, composition and organization of solid matrix. Therefore, the mechanical behaviour of a whole bone is highly dependent on its properties at a microscal