Integrating chemo‐mechanical cues in nano‐microscale environments for stem cell regulation

Abstract

Stem cells are key biological components for regenerating damaged or diseased tissues with a remarkable ability to sense and respond to the extracellular matrix (ECM). How to recapitulate the microenvironment of stem cells is thus central to the success of stem cell‐based therapies. The engineering of nano‐microscale materials with precisely tailored chemo‐mechanical cues has the potential to revolutionize stem cell therapy, enhancing their capacity for self‐renewal and lineage specification. This review underscores the transformative potential of nano‐microscale chemo‐mechanical control of stem cells, emphasizing its significance in advancing regenerative medicine and improving clinical outcomes. Key advancements in substrate engineering, biomaterials, and microfluidics are explored, highlighting their key role in creating tailored microenvironments for stem cells. We dissect the nano‐micro‐tuned matrices developed to expand and cultivate stem cells, discuss the mechanisms underlying the nano‐micro‐stimulated events, and highlight some of the most exciting in vivo findings of boosting stem cell functions in tissue repair and regeneration process. Furthermore, we outline the current challenges and future perspectives in this emerging field to unlock its full potential for healthcare applications.