Fig. 4

Biomaterial-based mechanical facilitation for scarless wound healing. Mechanical signals from biomaterials with specific physical properties are transformed to computable parameters by biosensor system. a Elastomer generates mechanical forces of different magnitudes and directions by stretching and contracting. b The hollow design of the microtubule structure allows for the mimicking of blood vessels and the inner wall simultaneously detects the velocity of the liquid as it flows through and the magnitude of the shear stress. c Patterned surface directs the growth of elongated tissue and it can mimic various two-dimensional (2D) structure of the matrix in vivo. d Surface with different stiffness renders cells different abilities to move. This is related to the stromal environment in which cells are physiologically located. e Viscoelasticity gives biomaterials solid-like properties such as elasticity, strength, and consequential stability as well as liquid-like properties such as flow properties that vary with time, temperature, load magnitude, and rate. This trait is more similar to the physiological situation. f Electrical conductivity is prevalent in living organisms, such as the resting and action potential of membrane potential. Biomaterials with electrical conductivity can be used to detect and simulate the required electrical signals within body. g Biomaterials and mechanical signals for cells: biosensor systems translate biomaterial-based mechanical signals into computable parameters like electricity stimulation, mechanical tension, magnetic force and friction. These quantitative parameters are then correlated with cell behaviors of interest (e.g., orienting traction, fibroblast activation, nerve growth, cell adhesion) through mathematical models. h–i Finally, precise regulation of cellular behavior can be achieved through biomaterial-based mechanical regulation whether in vitro (e.g., multidimensional culture of cells) or in situ (e.g., activating endogenous cells). Created with BioRender.com