A group has presented a new idea of mechanobiomaterials that facilitates tissue healing and regeneration. The natural occurrence of biomechanics inspires it. Moreover, this novel concept aims to program the biological functionality of biomaterials using mechanics—geometry—biological function connections.
The authors elucidate fundamental principles in modulating biological responses with material-tissue mechanical interactions to profile this emerging field. They illustrate recent findings on the relationships between material properties and biological responses. Furthermore, they also discuss the importance of mathematical/physical models and numerical simulations in optimizing material properties and geometry. In addition, outline design strategies for mechanobiomaterials and their potential for tissue
Clinical doctors, medical researchers, and bioengineers have significant obstacles in repairing and functionally restoring tissue damage caused by cartilage abnormalities, intervertebral disc degeneration, muscle loss, and heart attacks. Implantable and wearable biomedical technologies are becoming more significant for tissue healing and functional restoration than traditional therapy.
The physical, mechanical, and biochemical qualities of these devices are mostly determined by the materials used. They have a considerable impact on how the body responds to them. Mechanical interactions between biomedical devices and tissues are as common and crucial as physiochemical interactions. While mechanical considerations have primarily been studied for load-bearing devices and static settings, there is room for expanded applicability.
It also helps in the correction of aberrant cellular mechanical environments, as well as the restoration of tissue mechano-adaptive mechanisms. They can prevent or reverse tissue pathogenesis. Several key mechanobiological signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration have also been identified. This has resulted in breakthroughs in the design of biomaterials that regulate the reactions of surrounding tissue and cells via mechanical interactions, resulting in improved tissue repair and regeneration.
Mechanobiomaterials is a rapidly growing field that designs biomaterials with specific biomechanical properties to enhance tissue regeneration, integrating biology, biomechanics, materials science, and bioengineering to adapt to changing mechanical environments.
Researchers have discovered promising results in tissue repair and regeneration. They discuss material-tissue mechanical interactions, the relationship between mechanics and biological responses. They also design principles for mechanobiomaterials, published in Mechanobiology in Medicine.
