Piezoelectric polymeric scaffold materials as biomechanical cellular stimuli to enhance tissue regeneration

Electric fields induced by piezoelectric biological materials in humans direct tissue development, repair and regeneration. Scaffold-based tissue engineering therapies can significantly alter the inherent signaling pathways controlled by cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and transmitted through electrical synapses. As a result, there is a need for smart biomaterials which can suitably generate and transfer bioelectric signals to cells/tissues. Piezoelectric biomaterials can generate electric fields (EFs) when subjected to stress (deformation) and thus, they can improve tissue repair and regeneration via stimulation of signaling pathways. This review focuses on biodegradable piezoelectric polymers for skin, skeletal and nerve tissue engineering. We correlate the piezoelectric properties of scaffolds to in vitro and in vivo biological outcomes. In particular, EFs induced by piezoelectric materials can lead to (1) enhanced bone formation in bone repair via activation of signaling cascades responsible for matrix production, cell growth and tissue repair, (2) neurite directional outgrowth filling in gaps in nerve tissue repair and (3) accelerated wound closure and reduced scarring in skin tissue engineering.