Affiliation:
1. Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland , Auckland 1010, New Zealand
2. School of Mathematics and Statistics,Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
3. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited , Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Abstract
Computational biology and physiology is an interdisciplinary endeavour, requiring input from biologists, physiologists, mathematicians, chemists, engineers and clinicians. These systems are composed of complex phenomena across disparate temporal and spatial scales, and a holistic understanding of system behaviour typically requires the application of advanced multi-scale models. While many modelling techniques have been used, the bond graph (BG) is the only approach for modelling physical systems, where ‘causality’ is represented graphically. Additionally, the BG approach with its intrinsic properties allows the modular construction of models and verifying the conservation of mass and energy algorithmically. The BG approach has been widely used in engineering and, more recently, has been increasingly applied to biology and physiological systems. In this review, we briefly introduce the concepts and strengths of BG modelling. Following this, we review the history of BGs in modelling cellular mechanisms, biochemical reactions and musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Then, current developments in BG software are reviewed, and opportunities and perspectives on the future application of BGs are discussed.
Funder
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Health Research Council of New Zealand