Piezoelectric Biomaterials Inspired by Nature for Applications in Biomedicine and Nanotechnology

Abstract

Bioelectricity provides electrostimulation to regulate cell/tissue behaviors and functions. In the human body, bioelectricity can be generated in electromechanically responsive tissues and organs, as well as biomolecular building blocks that exhibit piezoelectricity, with a phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect. Inspired by natural bio‐piezoelectric phenomenon, efforts have been devoted to exploiting high‐performance synthetic piezoelectric biomaterials, including molecular materials, polymeric materials, ceramic materials, and composite materials. Notably, piezoelectric biomaterials polarize under mechanical strain and generate electrical potentials, which can be used to fabricate electronic devices. Herein, we propose a review article to summarize the design and research progress of piezoelectric biomaterials and devices toward bionanotechnology. We first introduce the functions of bioelectricity in regulating human electrophysiological activity from cellular to tissue level. Next, recent advances as well as structure‐property relationship of various natural and synthetic piezoelectric biomaterials are provided in detail. In the following part, we systematically classify and discuss the applications of piezoelectric biomaterials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, energy harvesting, and catalysis. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of piezoelectric biomaterials are presented. We believe that this review will provide inspiration for the design and development of innovative piezoelectric biomaterials in the fields of biomedicine and nanotechnology.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Bioelectret Materials and Their Bioelectric Effects for Tissue Repair: A Review

“…Piezoelectric materials can be categorized into two main types based on their ferroelectric properties: ferroelectric and nonferroelectric piezoelectric materials. These materials are at the forefront of developing high-performance synthetic biomaterials that mimic natural biopiezoelectric phenomena, facilitating advancements in areas such as tissue engineering, where they promote cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. , Moreover, these materials are integral to the development of biosensors for detecting minute changes in physiological parameters, and they enhance imaging techniques by providing detailed visualization of biological tissues . In addition, nonferroelectric materials like zinc oxide (ZnO) are lauded for their antibacterial properties, further expanding their utility in biomedical applications .…”