Correction: A new 3D finite element-based approach for computing cell surface tractions assuming nonlinear conditions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

A multiscale orchestrated computational framework to reveal emergent phenomena in neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a complex and aggressive type of cancer that affects children. Current treatments involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. However, treatment outcomes vary due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease.

Fluid flow to mimic organ function in 3D models.

Many different strategies can be found in the literature to model organ physiology, tissue functionality, and disease ; however, most of these models lack the physiological fluid dynamics present . Here, we highlight the importance of fluid flow for tissue homeostasis, specifically in vessels, other lumen structures, and interstitium, to point out the need of perfusion in current 3D models. Importantly, the advantages and limitations of the different current experimental fluid-flow setups are discussed.

Tumour growth: An approach to calibrate parameters of a multiphase porous media model based on in vitro observations of Neuroblastoma spheroid growth in a hydrogel microenvironment.

To unravel processes that lead to the growth of solid tumours, it is necessary to link knowledge of cancer biology with the physical properties of the tumour and its interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms is however still imprecise. We therefore developed computational physics-based models, which incorporate the interaction of the tumour with its surroundings based on the theory of porous media.

Computational modelling of the mechanical behaviour of protein-based hydrogels.

Protein-based hydrogels have been extensively studied in the field of biomaterials given their ability to mimic living tissues and their special resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Despite this, the methods used for the control of mechanical properties of hydrogels are very limited, focusing mainly on their elasticity, with an often unrealistic characterization of mechanical properties such as extensibility, stiffness and viscoelasticity. Being able to control these properties is essential for the development of new biomaterials, since it has been demonstrated that mechanical properties affect cell behaviour and biological processes.