LOOKING FOR NEW PARADIGMS TOWARDS A BIOLOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF COMPLEX MULTICELLULAR SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of new paradigms based on the methods of the mathematical kinetic theory for active particles to model the dynamics of large systems of interacting cells. Interactions are ruled, not only by laws of classical mechanics, but also by a few biological functions which are able to modify the above laws. The paper technically shows, also by reasoning on specific examples, how the theory can be applied to model large complex systems in biology. The last part of the paper deals with a critical analysis and with the indication of research perspectives concerning the challenging target of developing a biological-mathematical theory for the living matter.