To date, there has been very little research on how small mechanical loads, especially those on the subcellular level, affect cells and aid tissue regeneration. Our lab has investigated the use of subcellular-level mechanical loads to affect how cells perceive their mechanical microenvironments, leading to changes in their behaviors. This research will allow fine-control of cell behavior on the surface of a medical implant post-surgery.

Our subcellular mechanical loading system is based on the magnetoelastic material, which is set to vibrate through application of magnetic fields. The mechanical loading system is wireless, allowing it to be used in vivo and incorporated into existing implants. Using this system, we have demonstrated the effect of subcellular mechanical loads on cells with both in vitro and in vivo models. Experimental results show that mechanical loads of varying amplitudes and periods can dramatically affect cell attachment (fibroblast L929). In terms of cell morphology, cells that are under vibration have smaller cell area, and are rounder in shape. Our goal is to translate our finding into a mechanically-active composite biomaterial that can be delivered in situ and controlled in real time. Upon development, this approach can be used for the targeted control of local tissue microenvironment.