Mechanobiology and Mechanotherapy in Tissue Engineering

Abstract The 3-D structure of living organisms is influenced by various physical factors, including gravity, atmospheric pressure, and water pressure. These constant, seemingly unremarkable mechanical forces are in fact essential for forming, maintaining, and changing the dynamic structures and functions of our cells, tissues, and organs. “Mechanobiology” is the study of the molecular cascades and cellular responses that are triggered by mechanical forces. A more comprehensive and improved understanding of mechanobiology may greatly facilitate the development of new therapies that act by controlling mechanical forces and thereby specifically induce desired molecular, cellular, tissue, and/or organ formation, changes, or repair. We have denoted these therapies as “mechanotherapies.”