A Bioenergetic Model of Membrane Homeostasis under Nanoparticle-Induced Mechanical Stress

Living cells continuously maintain the structural and functional integrity of their plasma membrane despite persistent exposure to mechanical, chemical, and environmental stress. Among emerging environmental factors, engineered and environmental nanoparticles represent a growing source of mechanical perturbation. This paper proposes a theoretical biophysical model describing how repeated nanoparticle-induced mechanical stress may increase the energetic demands required to preserve membrane homeostasis.