.

Fig. 1.. Schematic illustration of the rationale and mechanisms of mechano-active biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration. (a) Mechano-active biomaterials can dynamically utilize the mechanical stimuli to realize the spatially-temporally controlled release or the targeted delivery of molecules/cells (M/C) for tissue repair and regeneration. The main mechanisms include: (i) compression/tension-induced deformation of the bulk carriers, (ii) temporary loss of the hydrogel structure by rupturing the physical crosslinks, (iii) disintegration of the aggregates of nanoparticles with drugs into nanoscale components, (iv) deformation and disintegration of the drug-loaded vesicles. (b) Reconstruction of the mechanical environment at the tissue-level that are beneficial for tissue repair and regeneration. (c) Biomimetic mechano-active biomaterials can accommodate or utilize important mechanical cues to accelerate tissue remodeling or healing process via a mechanobiological effect.