Matrix Viscoelasticity Tunes the Mechanobiological Behavior of Chondrocytes

Matrix viscoelasticity has important roles in regulating key chondrocyte processes in normal development and osteoarthritis (OA) degeneration of articular cartilage. In recent years, scientists are gradually realizing the importance of matrix viscoelasticity in regulating chondrocyte function and reversing cell phenotype. Notably, this is an emerging field, and this review summarizes the existing literature to the best of our knowledge. This review provides an overview of the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels and the role of matrix viscoelasticity in directing chondrocyte behavior. In this Review, we elaborated the mechanotransuction mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to the viscoelastic environment and also discussed the underlying signaling pathways. We discuss recent work elucidating the effect of matrix viscoelasticity on chondrocyte behavior, and describe the potential for the use of viscoelastic biomaterials in cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. some future perspective on mechanobiological comprehension of the viscoelastic behaviors involved in tissue homeostasis, cellular responses and biomaterial design are highlighted. Finally, this review also highlights recent strategies utilizing viscoelastic hydrogels for designing cartilage-on-chip.