2.1.6 - Effects of Mechanical Forces on Cells and Tissues

Abstract

Mechanical forces provide powerful signals that regulate cellular processes, mediate organ homeostasis and can drive pathophysiological processes. Cells sense and respond to mechanical forces and biophysical aspects of the surrounding extracellular matrix or biomaterials. The mechanical aspects of biomaterial-cell interactions can determine the body’s reaction to a material and the long-term therapeutic outcome from medical implants. Thus, It is essential to consider mechanical forces in engineering biomaterials to interface with the body or in the implantation of therapeutic cells types. In this chapter, we review the fundamental aspects of cellular mechanosensing in the context of biomaterials and physiological forces. In addition, we discuss the role of mechanical forces in vascular and skeletal organ systems.