Sensing of Physical Factors by Cells: Electric Field, Mechanical Forces, Physical Plasma and Light—Importance for Tissue Regeneration

The development of new biomaterials and medical devices has become a growing field of interdisciplinary research. The medical devices for tissue and cell treatments are being constructed for the application in regenerative medicine. There are many different approaches to improve cellular functions and it is known that physical stimuli affect cell physiology such as proliferation and differentiation. In this review we focus on electrical and mechanical stimulation as well as cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and photobiomodulation. Bone forming cells show improved proliferation and migration after electrical stimulation, which is used as treatment in bone fracture healing and to enhance osseointegration. Especially mechanical forces have direct effects on central cell signalling pathways and cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces. Physical plasma promotes tissue regeneration and exhibits anti-carcinogenic effects, while light of different wavelengths also improves wound healing and tissue repair by influencing stem cell fate. Although the treatment approaches are different, all these physical factors lead to the activation of cell signalling via calcium and reactive oxygen species. A better understanding of the cellular response to the applied stimuli will help develop efficient treatment strategies and optimised device settings.