Stimuli‐Mediated Macrophage Switching, Unraveling the Dynamics at the Nanoplatforms–Macrophage Interface

Macrophages play an essential role in immunotherapy and tissue regeneration owing to their remarkable plasticity and diverse functions. Recent bioengineering developments have focused on using external physical stimuli such as electric and magnetic fields, temperature, and compressive stress, among others, on micro/nanostructures to induce macrophage polarization, thereby increasing their therapeutic potential. However, it is difficult to find a concise review of the interaction between physical stimuli, advanced micro/nanostructures, and macrophage polarization. This review examines the present research on physical stimuli‐induced macrophage polarization on micro/nanoplatforms, emphasizing the synergistic role of fabricated structure and stimulation for advanced immunotherapy and tissue regeneration. A concise overview of the research advancements investigating the impact of physical stimuli, including electric fields, magnetic fields, compressive forces, fluid shear stress, photothermal stimuli, and multiple stimulations on the polarization of macrophages within complex engineered structures, is provided. The prospective implications of these strategies in regenerative medicine and immunotherapeutic approaches are highlighted. This review will aid in creating stimuli‐responsive platforms for immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. A schematic depiction of the effects of various physical stimulations on the polarization of macrophage cells is presented. These effects dramatically alter when stimulation is applied in conjugation with micro/nanoplatforms. The synergistic role of micro/nanoplatforms and physical stimuli can be utilized to fabricate innovative immunomodulatory platforms for numerous biomedical applications.