11 January 2024 | Lada E. Shlapakova, Maria A. Surmeneva, Andrei L. Kholkin, Roman A. Surmenev
This review discusses the significant role of piezoelectric polymers in nervous-tissue regeneration, focusing on their potential in neural tissue engineering. Piezoelectric materials, particularly polymers like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(lactic acid) (PLLA), have attracted attention due to their biocompatibility and ability to generate piezoelectric surface charges, which can provide electrical stimuli to promote nerve regeneration. The review covers the design of optimal nerve scaffolds, mechanisms of nerve regeneration via piezoelectric stimulation, and the use of magnetoelectric materials in combination with alternating magnetic fields. It also reviews in vitro and in vivo applications of nerve guidance scaffolds and conduits made from various piezoelectric polymers, highlighting their advantages, biological outcomes, and future challenges. The review emphasizes the importance of biocompatibility, biodegradability, piezoelectric capacity, mechanical properties, and optimal fabrication methods for effective nerve scaffolds. Additionally, it explores the mechanisms by which piezoelectric materials regulate cell behavior, including the activation of calcium influx and the polarization of signaling components, which guide cell movement and regeneration. The review concludes by discussing the types of piezoelectric polymer materials used in neural tissue engineering, with a focus on PVDF and its copolymers, and their effectiveness in promoting nerve regeneration.This review discusses the significant role of piezoelectric polymers in nervous-tissue regeneration, focusing on their potential in neural tissue engineering. Piezoelectric materials, particularly polymers like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(lactic acid) (PLLA), have attracted attention due to their biocompatibility and ability to generate piezoelectric surface charges, which can provide electrical stimuli to promote nerve regeneration. The review covers the design of optimal nerve scaffolds, mechanisms of nerve regeneration via piezoelectric stimulation, and the use of magnetoelectric materials in combination with alternating magnetic fields. It also reviews in vitro and in vivo applications of nerve guidance scaffolds and conduits made from various piezoelectric polymers, highlighting their advantages, biological outcomes, and future challenges. The review emphasizes the importance of biocompatibility, biodegradability, piezoelectric capacity, mechanical properties, and optimal fabrication methods for effective nerve scaffolds. Additionally, it explores the mechanisms by which piezoelectric materials regulate cell behavior, including the activation of calcium influx and the polarization of signaling components, which guide cell movement and regeneration. The review concludes by discussing the types of piezoelectric polymer materials used in neural tissue engineering, with a focus on PVDF and its copolymers, and their effectiveness in promoting nerve regeneration.