Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers are the polymers with the highest dielectric constants and electroactive responses, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric effects. This semicrystalline polymer can crystallize in five different forms, each related to a different chain conformation. Of these different phases, the β phase is the one with the highest dipolar moment and the highest piezoelectric response; therefore, it is the most interesting for a diverse range of applications. Thus, a variety of processing methods have been developed to induce the formation of the polymer β phase. In addition, PVDF has the advantage of being easily processable, flexible and low-cost. In this protocol, we present a number of reproducible and effective methods to produce β-PVDF-based morphologies/structures in the form of dense films, porous films, 3D scaffolds, patterned structures, fibers and spheres. These structures can be fabricated by different processing techniques, including doctor blade, spin coating, printing technologies, non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), temperature-induced phase separation (TIPS), solvent-casting particulate leaching, solvent-casting using a 3D nylon template, freeze extraction with a 3D poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) template, replica molding, and electrospinning or electrospray, with the fabrication method depending on the desired characteristics of the structure. The developed electroactive structures have shown potential to be used in a wide range of applications, including the formation of sensors and actuators, in biomedicine, for energy generation and storage, and as filtration membranes.

Tissue engineering often rely on scaffolds for supporting cell differentiation and growth. Novel paradigms for tissue engineering include the need of active or smart scaffolds in order to properly regenerate specific tissues. In particular, as electrical and electromechanical clues are among the most relevant ones in determining tissue functionality in tissues such as muscle and bone, among others, electroactive materials and, in particular, piezoelectric ones, show strong potential for novel tissue engineering strategies, in particular taking also into account the existence of these phenomena within some specific tissues, indicating their requirement also during tissue regeneration. This referee reports on piezoelectric materials used for tissue engineering applications. The most used materials for tissue engineering strategies are reported together with the main achievements, challenges and future needs for research and actual therapies. This review provides thus a compilation of the most relevant results and strategies and a start point for novel research pathways in the most relevant and challenging open questions. This referee reports on piezoelectric materials used for tissue engineering applications.The most used materials for tissue engineering strategies are reported together with the main achievements, challenges and future needs for research and actual therapies. This referee provides thus a compilation of the most relevant results and strategies and a start point for novel research pathways in the most relevant and challenging open questions.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as a novel class of chemical compounds for the development of advanced (multi)functional materials with outstanding potential in applications of several areas due to their unique properties and functionalities. The combination of ILs with polymers, in a composite, allows for developing smart materials, which synergistically combine the features of specific polymers and ILs. Moreover, ILs can be extensively modified by the incorporation of functional groups with specific properties into the cation, anion, or both. Thus, it is possible to tune the IL, the polymer, or both to obtain a broad spectrum of multifunctional composites and address the specific requirements of many applications. This work focusses on advanced materials and strategies concerning ILs and polymers for the development of smart IL/polymer‐based materials for applications including responsive and sensitive sensors, actuators, environment, batteries, fuel cells, and biomedical applications.