Cell biomechanics

A review is given for the mechanical properties of the component materials and substructures of biological cells, the forces produced by cells and their molecules, and the response of the cells to an external force. The constitutive relations between the structure and mechanical behavior of cells, and the experimental techniques for cell biomechanics research are described. This article not only reviews the progress and main trends in cell biomechanics research but also includes the data and information needed for such research.