Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems in order to better understand the physical properties in cells and other systems. Biomechanics emerged from the bioengineering field and uses traditional engineering principles to analyze complex biological systems. 

Biomechanical phenomena affect nearly every aspect of cellular biology and function, yet the underlying mechanisms of how mechanical forces and biochemical signals interact are not clearly understood.  

Petit Institute investigators are developing a fundamental understanding of biomechanics over a wide range of length scales. At the molecular level, researchers are answering questions about motion at the molecular and macromolecular levels.  At the cellular level, researchers are trying to understand the mechanics or the structure, function, and properties of cells.  At the tissue level, Petit Institute researchers are studying the physical properties of stress and strain on various tissue properties.