Design and Manufacturing of Piezoelectric Biomaterials for Bioelectronics and Biomedical Applications
Zhuomin Zhang, Zhenqi Wang, Xuemu Li, Yi Zheng, Zhengbao Yang
Abstract
The piezoelectric effect enables the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy, making it essential across various fields. While synthetic piezoelectric ceramics and polymers are extensively utilized in electronics and biomedicine, their inherent rigidity, fragility, processing challenges, toxicity, and nondegradability limit their potential. In contrast, piezoelectric biomaterials offer a promising alternative for biomedical fields because of their natural biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. However, weak piezoelectricity and challenges in large-scale fabrication hinder their applications. This paper critically reviews recent advances in piezoelectric biomaterials, focusing primarily on design strategies and manufacturing methods. We first summarize the principles, advantages, and categories of a variety of piezoelectric biomaterials. Next, we explore computational studies, highlight emerging approaches in molecular engineering and manufacturing, and examine their cutting-edge applications in bioelectronics and biomedicine. Additionally, we evaluate the effectiveness of various design and manufacturing approaches in enhancing piezoelectric performance, outlining their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, we discuss key challenges and provide insights into computational modeling, fabrication techniques, characterization methods, and biomedical applications to guide future research.