Biodegradable Piezoelectric Micro- and Nanomaterials for Regenerative Medicine, Targeted Therapy, and Microrobotics

Piezoelectric micro- and nanomaterials can generate local electrical signals when subjected to mechanical stress, a phenomenon that can be exploited to trigger beneficial effects at the cell and tissue level. In recent years, research on biodegradable piezoelectric material has gained momentum, as these materials can degrade after fulfilling their function. Thus, they promise to considerably impact regenerative medicine, targeted therapy, and microrobotics, with better chances to match regulatory requirements with respect to their nondegradable counterparts. This review offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biodegradable piezoelectric micro- and nanomaterials, focusing on their piezoelectric mechanisms, material types, and methods to enhance their properties. Current characterization techniques, emphasizing both piezoelectricity and biodegradability at the micro/nano scale, are also discussed. Furthermore, it is discussed how to use these materials in intelligent platforms for regenerative medicine and responsive drug delivery systems. The application of piezoelectric micro- and nanomaterials in microrobotics is also examined, particularly their potential for minimally invasive procedures. Finally, challenges and future directions are highlighted, underscoring the importance of biodegradable piezoelectric materials as versatile platforms for advancing biomedical technologies.