Mechanically active biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration

Mechanically active (mechanoactive) biomaterials are a class of naturally inspired materials that convert external stimulus inputs into dynamic and highly tunable mechanical outputs, which induces beneficial cellular responses and enhances the healing and regenerative processes of damaged tissues in a biosafety manner. Recently, various mechanoactive biomaterials, mainly classified into contractile materials, expansile materials, and oscillatory materials, have been developed and excellent results have been achieved in wound regeneration, blood loss control, and repair of soft and hard tissue defects. In this review, the recent progress of mechanoactive biomaterials in tissue repair and regeneration is summarized, and a perspective towards the future outlook is discussed, aiming to highlight the potential of this emerging and powerful class of tissue repair materials.