Piezoelectric and Magnetoelectric cell stimulation for regenerative tissue engineering

Electromechanical stimulation plays a significant role in regenerating various functionalities in tissues, such as tendons, muscles, nerves and bone. In this project, we investigate piezoelectric polymers as a potential substrate for wireless cell proliferation or differentiation. Materials such as piezoelectric PVDF enable the generation of electrical charges on their surfaces upon acoustic stimulation, inducing neuritogenesis of PC12 cells, as shown in our past research. The use of ultrasound in combination with piezoelectric polymers allows focused power transmission to occur deep within biological tissues. In our current research, we are aiming to include magnetostrictive materials in the polymer matrix. This shows great potential for the development of non-invasive neuroregenerative microbots that can be magnetically guided and triggered to wirelessly stimulate the cells by magnetic fields.