Advances in the research of biomechanical effects of negative-pressure wound therapy in promoting wound healing

Abstract

Recently, researchers have focused on the micro-mechano-environment and the resulting mechanical cues which can regulate the morphology, structure, and function of cells. As a novel mechanotherapy, negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The effects of mechanics in use of NPWT has been noticed by researchers, and sporadic results have been reported, while the mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in affecting cell behaviors and promoting wound healing haven't been elucidated yet. In this article, we review the progress about the relevant mechanical forces of NPWT and the mechanical effects on major repairing cells involved in wound healing, in order to provide references for the better understanding of mechanobiology of NPWT to better wound healing.