Mechanobiological Dynamics-Inspired Mechanomodulatory Biomaterials

Abstract

Mechanical cues are fundamental regulators of stem cell fate and play critical roles in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, tissue repair, and regeneration. Successfully reconstructing the complex and dynamic mechanical microenvironments of human tissues necessitates innovative biomaterial designs that surpass conventional approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the field of biomaterial-mediated mechanomodulation of stem cell fate, encompassing both mechanobiological dynamics and dynamic mechanomodulatory biomaterials. It is also discussed how specific material properties, such as stiffness, nanotopography, shear stress, and dynamic stimuli-responsive behavior, can be used to precisely control stem cell processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the application of these strategies is examined in both conventional and advanced culture systems, such as organoids and organ-on-chip platforms, with a particular focus on tissue-engineering applications in the neurological, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. It is further discussed how material innovations have enabled the development of cutting-edge techniques for investigating mechanotransduction in stem cells, including force probes, non-invasive biosensors, materiomics, and machine learning. By integrating knowledge from diverse fields, including medicine, materials science, engineering, biology, and biophysics, this review ultimately aims to inspire the design of smarter biomaterial systems that can accelerate the clinical translation of mechanotherapies and advance the field of regenerative medicine.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; biomaterials; mechanotransduction; nanobiotechnology; nanomedicine; stem cells.