Effect of Matrix Mechanical Forces and Geometry on Stem Cell Behavior

Stem cells are an excellent cell source for regenerative medicine applications, due to their proliferation capacity and potential to differentiate to various cell types. The big challenge in using these cells lies in the ability to control cell differentiation. Mechanotransduction translates mechanical signals into electrochemical responses within the cell and thus play an important role in stem cell differentiation. Many studies have focused on better characterizing to what extent mechanical cues can regulate stem cell behavior. In this chapter, we will examine the effects of substrate stiffness, shear stress, tensile forces, and substrate geometry and composition on stem cell behavior. In the last section, we will highlight the dominant elements underlying stem cell response to such mechanical stimuli.