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Biochemical signals, such as growth factors, cytokines, and transcription factors are known to play a crucial role in regulating a variety of cellular activities as well as maintaining the normal function of different tissues and organs. If we assume the biochemical signals to be one side of the coin, the other side comprises biophysical cues. There is a growing evidence showing that biophysical signals, and in particular mechanical cues, also play an important role in different stages of human life ranging from morphogenesis during embryonic development to maturation and maintenance of tissue and organ function throughout life. In order to investigate how mechanical signals influence cell and tissue function, tremendous efforts have been devoted to fabricating various materials and devices for delivering mechanical stimuli to cells and tissues. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in design and development of such materials and devices, with a focus on their design principles, and highlight challenges and perspectives for future research directions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Biochemical signals, such as growth factors, cytokines, and transcription factors are known to play a crucial role in regulating a variety of cellular activities as well as maintaining the normal function of different tissues and organs. If we assume the biochemical signals to be one side of the coin, the other side comprises biophysical cues. There is a growing evidence showing that biophysical signals, and in particular mechanical cues, also play an important role in different stages of human life ranging from morphogenesis during embryonic development to maturation and maintenance of tissue and organ function throughout life. In order to investigate how mechanical signals influence cell and tissue function, tremendous efforts have been devoted to fabricating various materials and devices for delivering mechanical stimuli to cells and tissues. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in design and development of such materials and devices, with a focus on their design principles, and highlight challenges and perspectives for future research directions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.