23-27 March 2026
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

Biophysical Modeling of Real-Time Cellular Mechanical Responses to Ionizing Radiation for Predicting Radiotherapy Outcomes

25 Mar 2026, 14:20
20m
Oral Presentation Medical Biophysics Medical Biophysics

Speaker

Nyasha Njanji (University of Zimbabwe)

Description

Medical biophysics continues to expand the understanding of how physical forces and radiation interact with biological systems. While traditional radiobiology focuses mainly on DNA damage and biochemical pathways, the mechanical responses of cells to ionizing radiation remain relatively unexplored. This study proposes a novel approach that investigates how radiation exposure alters the mechanical properties of cancer cells, including cellular stiffness, membrane tension, and cytoskeletal structure.
The research integrates radiation physics with cellular biomechanics to analyze the real-time mechanical responses of cells during irradiation. Advanced biophysical techniques such as atomic force microscopy and high-resolution optical imaging are proposed to measure changes in cell elasticity and deformation after controlled radiation exposure. These measurements are combined with computational modelling to establish correlations between radiation dose deposition and mechanical alterations within the cell.
Preliminary theoretical models suggest that radiation-induced stress can cause rapid cytoskeletal reorganization, leading to measurable changes in cellular mechanical properties before conventional biological markers become detectable. Identifying these mechanical signatures may provide early indicators of cellular radiation damage and radio-sensitivity.
The findings of this study could introduce a new dimension in radiotherapy research by linking radiation–matter interactions with cellular biomechanics. Such insights may contribute to the development of rapid biophysical biomarkers for predicting treatment response and optimizing personalized radiotherapy strategies. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach may enhance both the precision and effectiveness of modern cancer treatment.

Keywords: Medical biophysics, cellular biomechanics, ionizing radiation, radiotherapy response, cytoskeleton mechanics, predictive modeling

Primary author

Nyasha Njanji (University of Zimbabwe)

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