Acoustic technologies for the orchestration of cellular functions for therapeutic applications

Mechanical forces constantly stimulate cellular functions and influence their response behaviors. Similar to how an orchestra's music synchronizes an audience, acoustic technologies have emerged as precise, contact-free tools to study cellular responses. These platforms generate forces at appropriate length and frequency scales, enabling precise interactions with cells. Recent advancements highlight their potential for regulating cellular functions, revealing both therapeutic promise and the need for further biochemical exploration. This review summarizes the progress in using acoustic technologies to orchestrate cellular functions in vitro through mechanical stimulation. We first introduce the main categories of acoustic platforms and their working principles in cellular research. Subsequently, we explore the fundamental mechanisms linking acoustics to specific cellular interactions. We then review recent applications of these technologies in precisely modulating cellular functions for therapeutic purposes. Last, we discuss strategies to enhance their performance and efficacy, along with their potential integration with other biomedical tools.