Advances in applications of piezoelectronic electrons in cell regulation and tissue regeneration

Bioelectricity plays a significant role in major biological processes and electrical stimulation is an effective and non-invasive way to promote cellular growth, differentiation and tissue regeneration. In tissue engineering, piezoelectric materials not only act as modulators to regulate behaviors and functions of cells and tissues, but are also used as scaffolds to regulate and guide cell growth and matrix synthesis, thus promoting the formation of new tissue. Piezoelectronic electrons are produced from piezoelectric materials upon mechanical stimuli and have similar effects on cells as an external electrical field. Devices based on piezoelectronics have been widely applied in bioelectronics and biomedical fields. In this review, the effects of piezoelectronic electrons on cells and their possible mechanisms are briefly introduced. Then, we overview the applications of piezoelectronic electrons in cell regulation and tissue regeneration according to the type of cells and tissues. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are also provided.