Abstract: The present disclosure provides force-regulated molecular switches and methods for controlling binding and release of a ligand (cell, protein or other polymer, or small molecule) to the switch-containing device by the application, release or modulation of force (physical tension or an electrical or magnetic field as specifically exemplified herein). The FRMR switch technology can be applied to vectorial pumps, molecule-specific sponges, calorimetric cell motility assays, electronically addressable biorecognition arrays, cell sorting devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, calorimetric affinity assays, diagnostics and therapeutics.