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Highly stretchable nanocomposite piezofibers: a step forward into practical applications in biomedical devices
Fatemeh Mokhtari1, Hui Yin Nam2,3, Arjang Ruhparwar4
1Carbon Nexus at the Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|September 3, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed flexible, self-powering piezoelectric fibers from a nanocomposite blend. These smart fibers convert movement into electricity, offering potential for advanced biomedical devices and real-time physiological monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- High-performance biocompatible composites are crucial for neural scaffolds, bio-implants, and sensors.
- Current limitations include rigidity, miniaturization challenges, and short battery life.
- There is a need for smart, self-powering soft devices deployable in physiological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a straightforward fabrication technique for flexible/stretchable fiber-based piezoelectric structures.
- To create a hybrid nanocomposite using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and barium-titanium oxide (BT).
- To evaluate the potential of these fibers for biomechanical energy harvesting and biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of fiber-based piezoelectric structures using a PVDF/rGO/BT nanocomposite.
- Testing of various structural designs including knit, braid, woven, and coil configurations.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility using human mesenchymal stromal cells.
Main Results:
- Successfully created flexible/stretchable fiber-based piezoelectric structures.
- Demonstrated conversion of biomechanical stimuli into electrical signals.
- Achieved higher output voltage (4 V) and power density (87 μW cm⁻³) in stretchable coiled or knitted configurations.
- Confirmed good cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility for biomedical applications.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVDF/rGO/BT nanocomposite fibers offer a promising solution for self-powering soft electronic devices.
- These fibers are suitable for real-time physiological signal monitoring.
- The technology holds potential for next-generation fiber-based biomedical devices, including smart scaffolds and bio-implantables.
