Dynamic stability analysis of DNA-like helical structures with potential applications in elderly health

The research evaluates the possibility of using DNA-like helix structures as a basis for developing innovative approaches to elderly health technologies. This work applies a various multiscale modeling strategy that integrates Carrera's unified formulation (CUF)-based finite element method (FEM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and characterizes both continuum and atomic/nano-scale vibrational responses of biologically inspired helices. In order to address issues related to natural frequency and stability of bio-inspired helices under physiologically-like loading conditions, the research focuses on the impact of variation in the helical radius, pitch of turns, as well as, size-dependent elastic properties on structural dynamics and mechanical stability of the helices. The analysis found that variations in nanoscale interactions & nonlocal elastic behaviour had an impact on both the stiffness and dynamic response of the helices; thereby providing insight into the mechanical robustness of these structures and confirming the reliability of the proposed methodology due to the similarity of the CUF-FEM predictions, MD simulations, & experimentally determined results. This work establishes a foundational understanding of how to engineer DNA-like structures with enhanced mechanical properties while providing a means for integrating them into next-generation healthcare monitoring platforms, biomechanical sensors, & nanoscale drug delivery systems designed for use by an aging population. Linking structural mechanics to biomedical applications proves that future innovations can be achieved through the development of new types of functional units, e.g., DNA-based helices or structures, that may address healthcare problems associated with the aging population.