Giant (Mar 2024)
Recent approaches in development of bio-based artificial piezoelectric constructs for biomedical applications
Abstract
The discovery of piezoelectric property of biological materials in human body and their intimate association with human health has spurred new research into development of bio-based piezoelectric platforms for biomedical applications due to their intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental sustainability. The origin of piezoelectricity in biomaterials arises from the overall molecular dipoles owing to their molecular arrangement at atomic level. Due to low proficiency of piezoelectric biomaterials as compared to inorganic materials and synthetic polymers, proper understanding and controlling the electromechanical response of biomolecular structures is of great interest. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the recent development of concepts and engineering strategies to attune piezoelectric property of biomolecules through artificial manufacturing. Modulation of macroscopic piezoelectricity through alteration of molecular packing and rearrangements of polar domains is discussed. Following the recent state-of-the-art biomedical applications in energy harvesting, biosensing and healthcare monitoring, and tissue engineering are outlined. Finally, the current challenges in design and synthesis of large-scale, efficient piezoelectric artificial biomaterials and possible future research directions have been indicated. We envision that the current review will provide insight in the molecular-level understanding of the piezoelectric effect in biomaterials and pave the way for designing exciting new materials for future medical implants.
