Amino acids (AAs) are the basic building blocks of proteins and regulate the body's metabolism. The mechanical properties of proteins play an essential role in their functionalities in addition to their structure and dynamic properties. They are paramount in understanding the flexibility, rigidity, and ability to resist deformation. It is critical to investigate the mechanical properties of the twenty standard AAs that comprise the protein. Herein, we have developed a computational approach based on a detailed ab initio quantum mechanical method based on density functional theory that can calculate the mechanical properties of strategically designed models of solvated AAs. This de novo approach has been applied to twenty standard amino acids as the first step towards exploring the mechanical properties of super-soft biomolecular systems. The calculated properties include the Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio under different strains. We have identified AAs with relatively higher/lower compressibility, rigidity, flexibility, stretchability, and hardness based on their mechanical properties. Our findings are valuable as the starting point for future studies on large peptides or small proteins.

The spine is a critical component of the human body, supporting balance, flexibility, and natural movement. However, scoliosis, a condition where the curvature of the spine exceeds 10 degrees, can lead to health complications. In this research, we designed and three dimensional (3D) printed a customized orthosis using the Blender program, supported by ultrasound sensors controlled by an Arduino UNO circuit. Our innovative approach aims to accelerate healing and alleviate pain in patients with scoliosis. This study serves as a starting point for the development of research in the orthotic treatment of scoliosis of the spine by integrating two treatment techniques at the same time. Our ultrasound-reinforced orthosis represents a significant advancement in spinal care, offering a promising solution for scoliosis treatment.