How is mechanobiology involved in bone regenerative medicine?

Abstract

Regenerative medicine is recognized as one of the developing sciences in the world. Repair of bone injuries using stem cells and biomaterials has been considered by reconstructive medicine researchers in recent years. Biomechanical environments play a predominant role from cells to tissues and organs. These environments are also effective in the process of bone repair. Mechanical signals control biological activity at the site of injury. These signals regulate the formation, differentiation and proliferation of different cells. They are also responsible for the formation of connective tissue and the stabilization of damaged bone. Mechanical signals are applied to cells through external or internal factors. In this review, we first introduce and review the effective and active forces in determining the fate of stem cells such as Shear Stress, Tension, Elasticity, Stiffness, etc. Then we analyze the evidence from experimental studies and clinical observations about the effect of mechanobiology on bone repair or targeted differentiation of stem cells. We have also summarized the studies conducted in recent years in several tables.

Keywords: ECM, Osteogenesis; Mechanical forces; Mechanobiology; Regenerative medicine; Stem cell.