Piezoelectric nanofibers as biomaterials for bone regeneration and wound healing

Abstract

Piezoelectric properties of materials are becoming a more relevant area of research for biomaterials. Examples of these materials are polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), collagen, and a combination of these with other materials like polycaprolactones (PCL) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). These materials offer the unique ability to respond to an applied electric field with a mechanical response or vice versa, with an electric response to an applied mechanical force. This behavior can be instrumental in modern medicine for wound healing and bone regeneration. A variety of cells (osteoblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells) have all shown piezoelectric properties. This would allow for the use of piezoelectric materials to aid in cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, facilitating the end goal of wound healing and bone regeneration.