Issue 17, 2021

Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour

Abstract

Macrophages play a critical role in regulating immune reactions induced by implanted biomaterials. They are highly plastic and in response to diverse stimuli in the microenvironment can exhibit a spectrum of phenotypes and functions. In addition to biochemical signals, the physical properties of biomaterials are becoming increasingly appreciated for their significant impact on macrophage behaviour, and the underlying mechanisms deserve more in-depth investigations. This review first summarises the effects of key physical cues – including stiffness, topography, physical confinement and applied force – on macrophage behaviour. Then, it reviews the current knowledge of cellular sensing and transduction of physical cues into intracellular signals. Finally, it discusses the major challenges in understanding mechanical regulation that could provide insights for biomaterial design.

Graphical abstract: Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
18 jan 2021
Accepted
23 mar 2021
First published
24 mar 2021

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021,9, 3608-3621

Biomaterial-based physical regulation of macrophage behaviour

H. Zhou, Y. Xue, L. Dong and C. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, 9, 3608 DOI: 10.1039/D1TB00107H

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